Discover More About Cool After School STEM Classes
2022-10-13
2 min read
After school STEM classes are a great way for kids to foster high levels of creativity outside of normal school hours. Participation in after school STEM classes spark interest, build skills and give kids an opportunity to learn about the world around them.
STEM encompasses a whole range of sciences that generally overlap, so it is important to know the differences. You can then be sure to build an awesome STEM program at your school. Remember, offering one of these types of classes is not really enough – offering multiple classes will be much more beneficial to your students.
Science After School STEM Classes
Science is the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. After school science classes are generally chemistry, biology and earth science. When picking a great class, look for one that actually has the kids doing something, rather than watching a show or reading from a textbook.
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Technology After School STEM Classes
Technology is the branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences. The best technology classes are coding classes. Which are classes where kids create video games, websites and apps. With coding languages being universal, and kids jumping onto devices at a much younger age, it is a no-brainer that adding one of these classes would be a hit.
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Engineering After School STEM Classes
Engineering is the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines and structures. Did someone say LEGO? Students have a blast in these classes! Engineering with LEGO has become one of the most popular types of STEM classes because they exemplify what an after school science class should be – hands on!
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Math After School STEM Classes
Mathematics is the science that deals with the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement. Mathematics is used in all the “hard” sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as used in the “soft” sciences, such as economics, psychology, and sociology. Engineering fields such as civil, mechanical, and industrial utilize math as well as technological fields such as computers, rockets, and communications. Math is a basic part of every science and so it is important to get kids comfortable with numbers at an early age.
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Other Resources:
–STEM After School: How to Design and Run Great Program Activities Guidebook. This contains information, ideas and resources to increase student engagement in science-related after school programs. The guidebook provides a general framework to help you create and maintain a high-quality program.
–FUSE Resource Guide: Frontiers in Urban Science Exploration (FUSE) is a multi-city after school initiative led by Every Hour Counts. The FUSE Resource Guide details promising strategies for engaging, inquiry-based out-of-school time STEM education.