It’s Engineers Week, a celebration of STEM careers and the importance of engineering in our daily lives. It’s also a great time to think about how we can spark a passion for engineering in our own kids. In a rapidly changing world, careers in tech and engineering are more crucial than ever. So how do we take the first steps toward raising future engineers and STEM professionals?
Why is it important to encourage a love of STEM in kids?
STEM is the future.
- 80% of future USA professions will require STEM skills.
- But by 2030, the US Bureau of Labor estimates a shortfall of 1.1 million STEM workers.
Elementary and middle school are a crucial time to promote STEM careers.
- By 4th grade, 1/3 of students will have lost interest in learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
- By 8th grade, nearly 50% of students have lost interest in STEM or deemed it unnecessary to their career plans.
- In a survey released by Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) in 2024, only 59% of girls in grades 5-12 reported being good at STEM, a sharp decline from 73% in 2017.
All the evidence points in one direction: parents, teachers, and mentors need to act early to guide kids to an interest in STEM before they lose interest. We’re sharing a few of our favorite tips and tricks to do just that.
How can play get kids interested in STEM?
Toys and games are a great way to get kids interested in science, tech, and engineering from even the earliest ages.
- Choose building toys like LEGO, Duplo, Magna-Tiles, K’Nex, Lincoln Logs, or marble runs. As kids grow, encourage them to see how tall they can build structures or test their sturdiness.
- Explain basic concepts in engineering like wheels, gears, pulleys, levers, and inclined planes using toy cars and ramps.
- Let everyday activities give opportunities for STEM exploration– explain the chemistry of baking, how batteries power their toys, how a light bulb works, and more.
- Turn arts and crafts into STEM exploration. Use household items like milk jugs, egg cartons, appliance boxes, and more to construct rocket ships, airplanes, or boats.
- Many families take young children to children’s museums and nature centers but taper off as they reach elementary age. Build upon those experiences with more enriching outings as they get older. Find local science museums, natural history museums, planetariums, and more for deeper learning. Even trips to an amusement park can be a great way to learn basic physics!
The best reading material for kids interested in STEM
Whether your kids are self-proclaimed STEM geniuses or aren’t sure if engineering is for them, we have the perfect reading material for them. Cricket Media‘s award-winning children’s magazines pepper in science, math, and engineering content in addition to stories, poetry, and fun activities and puzzles. There’s something just right for all ages and interests.
LADYBUG Magazine (Ages 3-6)
Filled with sweet stories and charming poems, LADYBUG also works in early concepts in science and nature. A recent issue of LADYBUG themed around travel explained the science of how planes fly. Kids can even try a science experiment using a piece of paper to show the concept of “lift.” Don’t forget a biology lesson! A story about a gopher tortoise comes with photographs and facts about the many species that share these helpful creatures’ burrows.
SPIDER Magazine (Ages 6-9)
Perfect for newly independent readers, SPIDER combines creativity and curiosity on every page. The most recent issue, themed around sailing and the sea, includes tales of pirates and surfers, but also comes packed with fascinating facts. Meet Marie Tharp, a little-known real-life heroine who mapped the ocean floor. Explore the ocean life that feeds off of a shipwreck, then try an experiment to make a ball of clay sink or float. Kids can discover how waves are formed and learn the science behind surfing and SONAR!
CRICKET Magazine (Ages 9-14)
Filled with the best literature and artwork for young readers, CRICKET also encourages them to examine real-world issues from the perspective of a scientist. A recent issue centered around the theme of “Home” delves into green architecture and urban design. Articles explore where art meets engineering in architecture and the problems and opportunities created by “monster cities.” CRICKET even includes an interview with an aerospace engineer who participated in a mission simulating life on Mars!
How can parents choose smart screen time options for kids interested in STEM?
Budding engineers can choose from countless amazing videos, apps, and software programs, but it can be tricky for parents to identify which ones are right for their children. Minecraft might be a great choice for a kid who loves building– but many popular streamers on YouTube aren’t so age-appropriate. Kids with a passion for coding may love Roblox, but what about those chat features?
Safe streaming with Sensical
Ideally, parents should monitor and supervise kids’ screen time, but that’s not always possible. Whether you’re available to watch with your kids or not, Sensical is a fantastic choice for curated, kid-safe streaming. With thousands of videos for kids from age 2 to 10, there’s something to interest every young child and spark their curiosity.
Future engineers will particularly enjoy the Sensical Makers channel, available to stream on your Smart TV. It’s full of inspiring content for kids who love to build, create, and tinker! From fun DIY projects to brain-boosting inventions And for Minecraft and Roblox aficionados, there are tons of family-friendly streamers for kids to enjoy on Sensical Gaming. Parents love that Sensical is totally free, approved by child-development experts, and available to stream on any device.
Apps and computer programs that we recommend for kids with an interest in STEM:
- Super Mario Maker 2
- SpriteBox Coding
- Dragon Quest Builders 2
- Dreams
- Kids Think Design
- Poly Bridge 2
- Inventioneers
- Gamestar Mechanic
- DIY Nano
- Skyscrapers
- Crazy Gears
- Trainyard
- World of Goo
- LEGO Builder’s Journey
Exposing kids to careers in engineering
All of those suggestions for media and creative play can certainly ignite a passion for engineering. The only problem is, what can kids do with that passion?
It’s revealing that kids whose parents work in STEM fields are much more likely to choose STEM careers for themselves. Kids who are regularly exposed to engineering and know more about it may gravitate to these careers, but it’s hard to choose a career if you don’t even know what it is or how to work toward it.
Of tweens and teens surveyed by EngineeringUK, around 76% admitted they didn’t know much or anything about what engineers do. If you aren’t a STEM professional but see the seeds of STEM greatness in your child, how can you provide that support?
Why is mentoring so important for future engineers?
Access to mentors who work in STEM fields is crucial. Kids need role models to understand the possibilities in STEM careers. Some benefits of mentor access include:
- Representation of people from underrepresented groups in STEM careers.
- Individual support and building confidence— “You’re smart enough! You can do it!”
- Encouragement for kids to apply their curiosity in hands-on ways.
- Providing academic assistance and advice on tricky projects– whether for school or just for fun!
- Awareness of real career paths and opportunities in STEM.
- Assistance with college applications and finding internships.
- Creating connections for a child with other STEM professionals and industries.
Ask at your child’s school, your local library, or even nearby universities about mentoring opportunities for your child. They may participate in programs specifically designed to inspire budding engineers. For example, TryEngineering Together connects classrooms around the country with caring, qualified virtual mentors. Mentoring.org also provides many options for finding mentors suited to your child’s interests if there are none available in your community.
I want to mentor future engineers. How do I get involved?
So you’re a STEM professional yourself and feeling inspired to make a difference? That’s fantastic! TryEngineering Together is a safe, secure online mentoring program that makes mentoring simple for mentors, students, and teachers alike. Whether you want to become an individual eMentor or you and your company are interested in becoming corporate sponsors, there are many ways to champion the kids who most need STEM mentoring support. Get more information on eMentoring now!
Raising engineers helps build a better future.
We truly believe in the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders. Every day, children impress us with their ingenuity and drive to do good. If you see that spark in your children, nurture it. They are capable of more than they know and just need a nudge to achieve their full potential.
At Cricket Media, we help support parents who are raising kids to become amazing adults. Sign up for our newsletter to get all of our top tips and recommendations for parents.
