Teaching STEAM helps children become more proficient in collaboration, questioning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. But how do makerspaces fit in? The maker movement is largely associated with STEAM learning. This naturally lends makerspaces to becoming the connectors in providing students with space to explore concepts related to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
To build upon children’s natural curiosity and creativity, it’s most beneficial to have unstructured makerspaces where materials are left out for children to independently manipulate or use to complete a challenge without the looming shadow of evaluation. This is the exact approach that we foster within our Kids Makerspace at Cornell. We continually offer our youngest customers access to various STEAM learning resources to naturally peak their curiosity and creativity to engage in free play or to complete a STEAM challenge that we have provided within the space.
Makerspaces geared towards children encourage them to persevere in the face of adversity as they try, fail, and try again—just as the world’s most amazing innovators do in their labs and studios every day. So why not continue this learning at home as well?
During these unprecedented times, our staff at MPL are offering free virtual STEAM learning activities that you can easily follow along to and complete at home. You can find our past STEAM learning activities on our YouTube channel.
In addition, here is a list of various STEAM learning resources for all ages that families can check out from home to further extend children’s learning!
Hoopla Digital has one of the largest STEAM content collections to explore a wide range of topics and concepts from the comfort of your own home.
Common Sense Media provides a “best of” list for recommended STEAM apps, TV shows, websites and more.
Wide Open School is a free and open collection of the best online learning experiences and activities for children by age and grade level.
BBC Bitesize is a website that offers free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes by grade level and subject.
Tinybop Schools teaches science literacy through exploration and discovery in interactive STEM models.
PBSKids Design Squad is a creative website that helps youth with engineering through videos, playing games, trying activities, and sharing designs with the community.
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