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The Trump administration is reshaping the pursuit of science through federal cuts to and the . This will have real consequences for students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM learning.

One of those consequences is the elimination of such as robotics camps and access to advanced math courses for K-12 students.

As a result, families and caregivers are more essential than ever in supporting children鈥檚 learning.

Based on , I offer four ways to support children鈥檚 summer learning in ways that feel playful and engaging but still foster their .

1. Find a problem

Look for 鈥減roblems鈥� in or around your home to engineer a solution for. could include brainstorming ideas, drawing a sketch, creating a prototype or a first draft, testing and improving the prototype and communicating about the invention.

For example, one family in created an upside-down soap dispenser for the following problem: 鈥渢he way it鈥檚 designed鈥� 鈭� specifically, the straw 鈭� 鈥渋t doesn鈥檛 even reach the bottom of the container. So there鈥檚 a lot of soap sitting at the bottom.鈥�

To identify a problem and engage in the engineering design process, families are encouraged to use common materials. The materials may include cardboard boxes, cotton balls, construction paper, pine cones and rocks.

Our research found that when children engage in engineering in the home environment with caregivers, parents and siblings, they communicate about and apply that are often 鈥渉idden鈥� in their actions.

For instance, when building a paper roller coaster for a marble, children think about how the height will affect the speed of the marble. In math, this relates to the relationship between two variables, or the idea that one thing, such as height, impacts another, the speed. In science, they are of kinetic energy and potential energy. The higher the starting point, the more potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which makes the marble move faster.

In addition, children are learning what it means to be an engineer through their . Families and caregivers play a role in supporting their and willingness to work through .

2. Spark curiosity

Open up a space for exploration around STEM concepts driven by their interests.

Currently, my research with STEM professionals who were homeschooled talk about the power of learning sparked by curiosity.

One participant stated, 鈥淎t one time, I got really into ladybugs, well Asian Beatles I guess. It was when we had like hundreds in our house. I was like, what is happening? So, I wanted to figure out like why they were there, and then the difference between ladybugs and Asian beetles because people kept saying, these aren鈥檛 actually ladybugs.鈥�

Researchers label this , or even . The moments lead to deep engagement and learning of STEM concepts. This may also be a chance to learn things with your child.

3. Facilitate thinking

In , being uncertain about STEM concepts may lead to children exploring and considering different ideas. One concept in particular 鈭� playful uncertainties 鈭� is when parents and caregivers know the answer to a child鈥檚 uncertainties but act as if they do not know.

For example, suppose your child asks, 鈥淗ow can we measure the distance between St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee, on this map?鈥� You might respond, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know. What do you think?鈥� This gives children the chance to share their ideas before a parent or caregiver guides them toward a response.

4. Bring STEM to life

Turn ordinary moments into curious conversations.

鈥淭his recipe is for four people, but we have 11 people coming to dinner. What should we do?鈥�

In a recent interview, one participant described how much they learned from listening in on financial conversations, seeing how decisions got made about money, and watching how bills were handled. They were developing financial literacy and math skills.

As they noted, 鈥淏y the time I got to high school, I had a very good basis on what I鈥檓 doing and how to do it and function as a person in society.鈥�

Globally, individuals , which can lead to negative outcomes in the future when it comes to topics such as retirement planning and debt.

Why is this important?

Research shows that talking with friends and family supports how children see themselves as learners and their later success in STEM fields, even if they do not pursue a career in STEM.

also shows how family STEM participation gives children opportunities to explore STEM ideas in ways that go beyond what they typically experience in school.

In my view, these kinds of STEM experiences don鈥檛 compete with what children learn in school 鈭� they strengthen and support it.

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

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