Born to Create…
Did you know that from the moment your child begins to play, he or she is a natural engineer?
Children interact with the world through discovery. They invent, they imagine and they discover. The programs and resources in this section are designed to give your child a jump start into a life of creativity and innovation.
Making Your Child STEM Strong
DEVELOP STRONG MATH SKILLS
Math is the foundation for success in all STEM subjects. By introducing math into day to day life (i.e. going to the grocery store or traveling on the highway) you can help your child connect mathematics with everyday activities. Provide your child with a math-based computer game to enjoy after school, use game play to build skill and confidence in mathematics, or subscribe to an on-line math program such as First In Math.
GET INVOLVED WITH MUSIC
Mathematics and music go hand-in-hand. Studies show that music education may improve spatial reasoning and mathematic acquisition in elementary age children. Music education can help sequential skill development through musical games involving rhythm and pitch.
HANDS-ON STEM EXPERIENCE
Expose your child to many hands-on experiences that involve STEM. Harford and Cecil Counties are within a short drive of many exciting STEM programs–the Aquarium, Maryland Zoo, MD Science Center, Franklin Institute, Smithsonian Museums and much more. You can also sign your child up for summer and extracurricular activities such as Destination Imagination, Invention Convention, First in Math, 4H Youth Development, and summer programs at Harford Community College and Towson University. Follow these links for more information regarding afterschool programs and summer programs.
EXPLORING CAREERS AND INTERESTS
Pay attention to what subjects your child is taking interest in and which ones they are excelling in. By connecting your child’s in-school experiences with out-of-school experiences, they will begin to develop an attitude of “wanting to” pursue STEM courses rather than “having to.” You can help spark interest in STEM in your child by exploring STEM careers. There are many exciting careers in STEM, and you can learn more about your child’s options by visiting sites like Collegeboard.com, MyPlan.com, and STEM-works.com. Another great resource are the many STEM professionals in our community. Chat with people you know in STEM fields to find out more about what they do and what classes they took in school.
