Month: April 2020

You are probably familiar with the popular educational initiative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or STEM program, but what about the STEAM Lab for kids? This program encompasses the same academic discipline as STEM. But it has an additional discipline, which is arts. Thus, the name STEAM.

As with STEM, STEAM Lab for kids integrates different learning approaches and areas to allow students to experience how to learn and solve problems in different ways. All subjects are presented in relationship with one another. But since arts is included, the focus is shifted on creative skills to boost engagement in classrooms. According to experts, a well-designed STEAM program can offer the following advantages:

Improves creative thinking and applied arts in real life

Contrary to what most people believe, arts is not only about painting or doing art projects. There is more to this academic discipline than meets the eye. The inclusion of arts in STEAM Lab for kids help students discover new and creative ways of problem-solving through applying art in real-life situations. This is why it is very useful in encouraging students to enjoy learning science, mathematics, technology, and engineering and pursue higher education in the said fields.

Combines technical and artistic topics 

It’s one thing to create an efficient software program, and it’s another thing to make an aesthetic and user-friendly software program. In STEAM Lab for kids, students are not limited to one particular subject. They don’t have to choose between technical or artistic approaches because they are taught to do both. The equal representation of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math subjects makes STEAM a truly well-rounded and interdisciplinary program that appeals to kids with varying interests.

Promotes independent and social learning

While kids are free to work on projects that are specific to what issues appeal to them, collaboration is always encouraged. Students can explore and experiment with various methods by group and with their friends. They build projects, create software, analyze statistics together.

Are you looking for something your children can do over the school break? How about enrolling them in a STEAM summer camp for kids? This is a great way for them to make fun and exciting memories while still learning and honing skills that will be useful at school and in their future careers.

There are many schools and institutions offering STEAM summer camps for kids and each of them may use different programs and approaches. To choose the right one, consider the following factors.

Your budget

How much are you willing to spend on this year’s summer camp? It’s no secret that summer camps can be pricey especially if you are enrolling more than one child and if the program requires them to live on the campus. That’s why it’s important to consider your budget for everything, including lodging, transportation, and food. Do your research first, then pick the one that suits your budget and other requirements at the same time.

You and your children’s preferences

Are you okay with the kids staying at the camp? Will they be able to take care of themselves if you are not around? Are they old enough to join a sleep-away camp? These are some of the questions you need to ask before enrolling them to STEAM summer camp for kids. Think about these things very well while researching to select one that works for your family.

Curriculum

You want to know what kinds of activities, classes, workshops they are going to do during the camp. These vary from institution to institution, so compare them carefully. You also want to find out how many kids are going to be there per class. More often, small classes are better because teachers are able to provide individualized attention and kids get to know each other more.

The camp learning environment

If the camp offers open houses, grab this opportunity to take a tour. Make sure to take your child with you. Surveying the place before sending your kids is a must. It gives you an opportunity to speak with the staff, directors, and counselors and get to know more about their experience.