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There are a number of creative ways to incorporate STEM topics into your homeschooling. During this yearâs Podcast Awards I released 15 mini-episodes that shared 15 STEM and STEAM Ideas for Homeschoolers.
Iâve compiled all 15 of those ideas into this single podcast. Listen to or read all of the great ways you can teach STEM and STEAM topics to your kids.
Thanks to all the individual patrons (http://thewiredhomeschool.com/patrons) who have supported the podcast. Special thanks go out to Matt Kamla, Lori Silsbee, Winston Crutchfield (http://criticalpressmedia.com/), & Aaron Hughey.
1. Watch YouTube Videos
I thought Iâd deal with the low-hanging fruit first: Watching YouTube videos. There are dozens of STEM- and STEAM-related YouTube channels that you and your kids can watch and enjoy. Here are five that I highly recommend:
* Smarter Every Day (https://www.youtube.com/user/destinws2)
* The Backyard Scientist (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBackyardScientist)
* The King of Random (https://www.youtube.com/user/01032010814)
* Veritasium (https://www.youtube.com/user/1veritasium)
* SciShow for Kids (https://www.youtube.com/user/scishowkids)
2. Build with LEGO
All STEM and STEAM categories can be covered using LEGO bricks. The possibilities seem endless! Check out some of these great resources for using LEGO bricks to teach STEM and STEAM topics.
* Teach STEM with LEGO learning â 50 Activities, Free Printables, Games, and More (http://homeschoolencouragement.com/teach-stem-lego-bricks-activities-free-printables-games/)
* 20 Fun Activities for Learning with LEGOs (http://www.learningliftoff.com/20-fun-activities-learning-legos/#.V0uTYTUrK9I)
* Free LEGO Homeschooling Resources (http://www.freehomeschooldeals.com/category/lego/)
3. Duct Tape Arts & Crafts
People use duct tape for all kinds of things from repairing a carâs bodywork to constructing prom gowns. Your kids could get creative and do a little STEAM-learning along the way. Here are some resources to get you started:
* Duct Tape Crafts (http://duckbrand.com/craft-decor)
* Science Projects with Duct Tape (http://www.ehow.com/info_8015433_science-projects-duct-tape.html)
* 101 Duct Tape Crafts (http://www.101ducttapecrafts.com/)
4. Build a TARDIS
If you have a Whovian in the house, what could be more exciting than having your own TARDIS? Here are some small and large projects you might want to consider building with your Whovian:
* Cereal Box TARDIS (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-TARDIS-model/)
* Build a Refrigerator Box TARDIS (http://steampoweredclassroom.com/hands-on-math-and-engineering-doctor-who-style-a-case-study-in-project-based-learning/) (Part 2 (http://steampoweredclassroom.com/how-to-build-doctor-whos-tardis-a-case-study-in-project-based-learning-part-2/))
* LEGO TARDIS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFRCNNjf-n8) (Video)
* Official LEGO TARDIS (http://amzn.to/1sHLa3J)
5. Dash and Dot
Iâve mentioned the fun little robots in the past. Weâve had Dash & Dot from Wonder Workshop (http://thewiredhomeschool.com/makewonder) for some time now and my kids still ask me on a regular basis to use them. While this is more costly than previous suggestions, Dash & Dot are a great investment for young kids interested in robotics and programming.
6. Play games
If I started listing all of the games you could use to teach STEM topics, weâd be here all day, so here are 5 that get my highest recommendation:
* Blockus (http://shop.mattel.com/product/index.jsp?productId=38029136)
* Quirkle (http://www.mindware.com/qwirkle-a2-32016.fltr)
* Robot Turtles (http://www.thinkfun.com/products/robot-turtles/)
* Leaving Earth (http://www.lumenaris.com/leavingearth.html)
* PokĂŠmon (http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/) or just about any CCG
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