STEAM Cart

STEM education has been in the news for quite some time, and has proven to help children become critical thinkers and problem solvers. More recently educators have added Art to the acronym, now STEAM.

STEAM activities allow children to explore their surroundings and create solutions while learning Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. This integrated learning process encourages critical thinking and helps children think like scientists, engineers and designers.

COMPUCHILD incorporates the all five STEAM disciplines into our classes, but you can encourage STEAM learning at home as well. We found one fun idea from Handmade Kids Art that any household can adopt. Create a STEAM cart. (Don’t have a cart, use a plastic tub or box.)

We love that a STEAM cart can be customized for your child’s interest and age. Alternatively, you can create one cart for all children in the house. Plus items can be changed out when needed to keep children interested.

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Here are the five easy steps to set up your family STEAM cart:

  1. Identify your child’s interest.
  2. Fill cart with age appropriate materials (inexpensive items from the store or items you may already have in the house.)
  3. Label where each item belongs.
  4. Demonstrate to kids how to put items away when they are finished creating.
  5. Let your child create!

Sample STEAM items that can be included:

  • Magnets
  • Glue Sticks
  • Scissors
  • Dice
  • Tape Measure
  • Empty Cup (water)
  • Water Colors and Brush
  • String
  • Feathers
  • Compass
  • Meauring Cup
  • Foam Shapes
  • Washable Markers
  • Colored Pencils
  • Microscope
  • Magnifying Glass
  • Paper
  • Finger Paint
  • Crayons
  • Small LEGO kit
  • Eye Droppers
  • Ruler
  • Paper Plates
  • Marbles
  • Balls
  • Pinecones
  • Silk Flowers
  • Coffee Filters
  • Straws
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Yarn