Tips for STEM summer learning

First Educator

Children are naturally curious and creative. They like to play, tinker, build and explore. These are all key components of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] education. Imagine creating learning opportunities to help introduce children to STEM learning early. This would aid children in developing core competencies like communication, confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration.

STEM education will also prepare children for future career pathways. This is vitally important when STEM careers are booming. STEM careers are among the fastest-growing careers, growing two times faster than all other careers combined (Bureau of Labor Statistics). STEM provides a solid foundation for leadership development by equipping youth to create, imagine, and build a better world. 

The demand for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians continues to increase, but the number of African Americans in those fields is falling. One major problem is that Black children typically are not exposed to STEM careers at an early age, and many only learn about them in college.

The Black community represents 12.1% of the total population in the United States. Yet, African Americans account for just seven percent of people in STEM careers overall, according to the Pew Research Center. 

Promoting STEM education is a call to action. It is an opportunity for all caring adults to serve as first educators and support our children as they learn, grow and lead. 

A “First Educator” refers to the primary role of parents and caregivers in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals, and behaviors.

As a First Educator, you can connect children to STEM learning opportunities.

• Talk about STEM: Share about careers in STEM to support early career exploration: Introduce Black STEM role models like Mary W. Jackson (NASA’s first Black female engineer), Jerry Lawson (maker of the video game console), and Robert D. Bullard (father of environmental justice).
• Make an impact. Show your child how STEM can make a difference in the world, from addressing climate change to protecting endangered species like birds (whooping crane, piping plover) and mammals (gray wolf, Canada lynx).
• Unleash creativity. Encourage your child to become a lead problem solver. For instance, build a pollinator garden in your backyard to support your local ecosystem.
• Build together in a team. STEM is about teamwork. Provide opportunities for your child to learn together with other children.
• Do STEM activities at home. Make STEM a part of daily learning, from learning math while preparing your bank deposit to baking in the kitchen while learning the basics of chemistry.

Don’t forget the “A” in STEAM. The “A” represents the arts. This is an integral part of learning about STEM by fostering creativity and innovation. 

This summer, many free learning activities are available in the Twin Cities. You can attend the Selby Avenue Jazz Festival and learn about each instrument played. You can tour the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and visit the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry.”  

Dr. Artika Tyner is a passionate educator, award-winning author, civil rights attorney, sought-after speaker, and advocate for justice. She is the founder of the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute.