Education, Parenting

STEM in Everyday Life: How to Spot Learning Opportunities

In a world where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) play an increasingly vital role, fostering a love for STEM in Everyday Life has never been more important. The good news is, STEM learning isn’t limited to textbooks and classrooms. In fact, STEM surrounds us every day, and there are countless opportunities for our kids to explore, experiment, and learn. The challenge? Spotting these moments and turning them into exciting learning experiences.

Everyday Science:

Kitchen Chemistry: Cooking and baking offer a treasure trove of scientific lessons. From measuring ingredients to understanding chemical reactions, the kitchen is a hands-on science lab.

Gardening Adventures: Planting seeds and nurturing a garden is an exploration of biology, botany, and ecology. Kids can learn about plant life cycles, photosynthesis, and ecosystems.

Weather Watch: Keeping an eye on the weather presents opportunities to study meteorology, atmospheric science, and even basic physics. Create weather journals or follow meteorological reports together.

Technology Tidbits:

  • Gadget Dissection: When old devices break or are no longer in use, take them apart together. It’s a fun way to learn about the inner workings of technology.
  • Coding Quests: Explore coding through kid-friendly apps or games. Learning the basics of programming can be a creative and logical adventure.
  • Tech Troubleshooting: Next time a tech issue arises, involve your child in the problem-solving process. It’s a real-world lesson in critical thinking and debugging.

Engineering Excitement:

  • LEGO Adventures: Building with LEGO blocks isn’t just play; it’s an introduction to structural engineering and design principles.
  • Bridge Building: Using household items like spaghetti and marshmallows, challenge your child to build bridges and explore the physics behind them.
  • Cardboard Creations: Cardboard boxes are the perfect canvas for constructing anything from simple structures to elaborate cardboard cities.

Math Moments:

  • Grocery Math: Make shopping a math lesson by having your child calculate costs, measure items, and estimate totals.
  • Board Game Bonanza: Many board games involve strategic thinking and math skills. From chess to Monopoly, they’re great for sharpening young minds.
  • DIY Puzzles: Create your own puzzles or riddles for your child to solve. It’s a playful way to engage their mathematical thinking.

Encouraging Curiosity:

  • Ask Questions: Encourage your child to ask “why” and “how” about the world around them. Answer questions to the best of your ability or explore the answers together.
  • Explore Together: Be curious with your child. Investigate insects in the garden, watch the stars, or take apart an old appliance to see what’s inside.
  • Celebrate Mistakes: Show that it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, learning often comes from trial and error. Embrace the journey of discovery.
STEM in Everyday Life

Remember, STEM learning doesn’t always require a formal lesson plan. By recognizing the STEM opportunities in everyday life, you can foster your child’s natural curiosity and help them develop essential skills for the future. Encourage questions, exploration, and hands-on experiences to make STEM a part of your daily adventures.

Every day is a chance for your child to become a scientist, engineer, or mathematician-in-the-making. So, embrace the learning moments that surround you, and watch your child’s excitement for STEM bloom.

Let’s make learning an everyday adventure! Join us on this amazing learning adventure 🌟🔬🌿

Uncategorized

The Impact of Parent Engagement in STEM Education: A School’s Guide

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one thing remains constant—the pivotal role of parent engagement in their child’s learning journey. Nowhere is this partnership more vital than in the realm of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. When parents actively engage in their child’s STEM learning, the impact can be profound, leading to enhanced educational outcomes and a lifelong love for these subjects.

Why Parent Engagement Matters in STEM Education

Strengthening Learning at Home: When parents actively participate in STEM activities at home, they extend the learning experience beyond the classroom. Whether it’s conducting simple experiments or exploring STEM-themed books, these shared moments deepen a child’s understanding.

Fostering Curiosity: Parental involvement can ignite a child’s curiosity. Asking questions, encouraging exploration, and providing opportunities for hands-on learning can spark a lifelong interest in STEM subjects.

Building Confidence: Children thrive when they have a support system. When parents show interest in STEM, it boosts a child’s confidence to tackle challenging concepts and problems.

Creating a Positive Attitude: Parents can shape their child’s attitude towards STEM. By making STEM learning enjoyable and non-intimidating, parents can help dispel the myth that these subjects are difficult.

parent engagement with stem learning

Tips for Fostering Parent-Teacher Engagement in STEM Education

As educators, we can help parents get more actively involved in their child’s STEM learning journey:

  • Open Communication Channels: Establish clear lines of communication between teachers and parents. Regular updates on what’s happening in the classroom and how parents can support STEM learning at home are essential.
  • Parent Workshops and Webinars: Host workshops and webinars specifically focused on STEM education. Provide parents with insights into the curriculum and tips for integrating STEM into daily life.
  • STEM Family Nights: Organize STEM-themed family nights at school where parents can actively participate in hands-on STEM activities alongside their children.
  • Encourage Questions: Promote a culture of asking questions. Encourage parents to reach out to teachers with any queries or concerns about STEM education.
  • Resource Sharing: Share a list of recommended STEM resources, including books, websites, and educational apps that parents can explore with their children.
  • Parent Volunteers: Invite parents with STEM expertise to volunteer in the classroom or assist with STEM-related extracurricular activities.
  • Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate student achievements in STEM. Highlight the progress and successes of students in newsletters or school events.

In Conclusion

Parent engagement in STEM education is not just beneficial; it’s essential. When parents actively participate in their child’s STEM learning journey, they contribute to the development of young minds ready to embrace the challenges of the future. As schools, educators, and parents collaborate, we create a powerful foundation for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

So, let’s continue fostering this invaluable partnership between schools and parents, knowing that together, we’re shaping the STEM leaders of tomorrow. Learn more of what we do at CodeREV.

Coding Education, Education, Skills

STEM and Creativity: How They Go Hand in Hand

When we think of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we often envision formulas, calculations, and technical concepts. However, there’s a common misconception that STEM is devoid of creativity. In this blog post, we’re here to debunk that myth and explore the rich interplay between STEM and creativity.

STEM and Creativity
STEM and Creativity

1. Creativity within the field:

STEM fields thrive on creativity just as much as they rely on data and equations. From designing innovative solutions to complex problems to imagining the next groundbreaking video game, creativity is the driving force that pushes STEM forward.

2. Solving Real-World Challenges:

Creativity in STEM is about identifying unique approaches to solving real-world challenges. Think of engineers designing sustainable buildings, scientists developing life-saving medical technologies, and programmers crafting a code. Each of these endeavors requires creative thinking to develop efficient and effective solutions.

3. Exploring New Frontiers:

Curiosity and imagination are the cornerstones of scientific discovery. Scientists and researchers often push the boundaries of knowledge by asking daring questions and proposing novel hypotheses. Indeed, this creative process leads to breakthroughs that transform our understanding of the world.

4. Innovation Through Collaboration:

Collaboration between individuals from diverse backgrounds fuels innovation. The exchange of ideas from various perspectives encourages creative problem-solving. STEM projects often involve teamwork, where each member contributes their unique insights to achieve a common goal.

5. Art of Design in Engineering:

Engineering is a prime example of creativity within STEM. For instance, engineers not only solve problems but also design products, systems, and structures that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Balancing these factors overall requires a high degree of creativity.

6. Coding as a Creative Language:

Also, coding, often associated with logic, is also a creative process. Writing code involves constructing intricate sequences of commands to bring ideas to life. Like composing music or writing a story, certainly coding is a language of creativity.

7. STEM Education’s Creative Approach:

Finally, educators emphasize creative problem-solving in STEM education. Also, students are encouraged to explore multiple solutions, think critically, and express their ideas through projects and presentations. This approach nurtures not only their analytical skills but also their imaginative capacities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, STEM and creativity are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are intertwined in a dance of innovation and discovery. The essence of creativity lies in thinking beyond conventional boundaries, and STEM fields offer a canvas for such imaginative thinking. We believe that embracing creativity in STEM education, we foster a generation of individuals who can tackle complex challenges, shape the future, and truly transform the world. 

Lastly, we invite you to explore our game design, coding and engineering classes for kids at https://www.coderevkids.com/onlineclasses.php

Education, Parenting

Parent’s Guide: Nurturing Your Child’s Curiosity in STEM

As a parent, you hold the key to unlocking a world of curiosity and exploration in STEM for your child. When it comes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), your support can make all the difference in igniting a lifelong passion for these subjects. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can play an active role in nurturing your child’s interest in STEM and empowering them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Nurture Your Child's Curiosity in STEM
Nurture Your Child’s Curiosity in STEM

1. Embrace Curiosity in STEM Together:

Encourage your child’s natural curiosity in STEM by engaging in their questions. When they ask about how things work or why the sky is blue, take the time to explore the answers together. Curiosity is the foundation of STEM learning and by showing your own enthusiasm for discovery, obviously, you create a positive environment that encourages them to ask more questions.

2. Foster Hands-On Exploration:

Additionally , you can provide your child with opportunities for hands-on exploration. Simple science experiments at home, building projects with everyday materials, and even cooking together can spark their interest in STEM concepts. These activities allow them to see science and math in action, making the subjects more relatable and engaging.

3. Encourage Critical Thinking:

Challenge your child’s problem-solving skills through puzzles, games, and brain teasers. Critical thinking is at the core of STEM subjects. Consequently, by regularly engaging in activities that require logical reasoning and analysis, you’re preparing them for the challenges they’ll encounter in STEM learning.

4. Expose Them to STEM in Everyday Life:

Point out STEM elements in everyday situations. From the technology in the games they play to the design of buildings, show them how STEM is all around us. This helps them understand that STEM is not limited to a classroom—it’s a part of their world.

5. Celebrate Mistakes and Learning:

Create an environment where making mistakes is part of the learning process. When something doesn’t go as planned, help your child understand that failure is an opportunity to learn and improve. This growth mindset is crucial in STEM, where experimentation and iteration are key components.

6. Explore STEM Resources Together:

Utilize books, documentaries, online resources, video games like Minecraft and even visits to science centers or museums. These experiences can introduce your child to new STEM topics and expand their horizons.

7. Support Their Passions:

Pay attention to what specifically sparks your child’s interest within STEM. Whether it’s robotics, space exploration, coding, or something else, support their passions by providing related resources, kits, or classes. (Check our robotics, game design and engineering classes here)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, as a parent, you’re a guiding force in shaping your child’s outlook on learning. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a positive attitude toward challenges, you’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of STEM. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert; your enthusiasm and involvement are what truly matter. We’ll walk with you and your child the journey of STEM discovery together, and watch your child’s skills flourish. 

Uncategorized

The Ultimate Guide to Summer STEM Camps for Kids: Unlocking the Future Through Education

Summer is just around the corner, and many parents are looking for fun and enriching activities for their kids. If you’re a parent looking for something that will not only keep your child engaged but also unlock his or her future potential, here are some key points you should consider before choosing a Summer STEM Camp for your child this summer.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and it encompasses a wide range of fields and skills that are critical to success in the 21st century. STEM education is becoming increasingly important as technology advances and the job market shifts towards more STEM-based careers. By enrolling your child in a summer STEM camp, you can give them a head start on developing the skills they will need to thrive in the future.

What are the benefits of Summer STEM Camps?

Summer STEM camps provide numerous benefits for children of all ages. Here are just a few:

Summer STEM Camps
  • Hands-on learning opportunities: STEM education is all about learning through doing. Summer STEM camps provide children with the chance to work on real-world projects, conduct experiments, and solve problems in a hands-on and interactive environment.
  • Boosting critical thinking and problem-solving skills: STEM education done correctly requires children to think critically and solve complex problems. By participating in a summer STEM camp, children can develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which will be valuable in all aspects of their lives.
  • Teamwork and communication skills: STEM projects often require teamwork and collaboration. By working with other children in a summer STEM camp, children will learn how to communicate effectively, work as part of a team, and build leadership skills.
  • Inspires creativity and innovation: STEM education encourages children to be creative and innovative. By participating in a summer STEM camp, children will be exposed to new ideas and technologies that will inspire their curiosity and creativity.

How to Choose the Right Summer STEM Camp for Your Child?

Choosing the right summer STEM camp for your child can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

  • Consider your child’s interests: Does your child have a particular interest in science, technology, engineering, or math? Look for a summer STEM camp that aligns with their interests and passions. Are they into tech, hands-on activities, roller coasters, legos, robots, making games, etc? Are arts and design involved in some ways?
  • Age range and skill level: Make sure the camp is appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. Some camps are geared towards younger children, while others are more advanced and/or cater to older children with a higher level of knowledge and experience.
  • Safety and supervision: Ensure that the camp has proper safety measures in place and that there are qualified instructors and counselors supervising the children. Look for camps that have good/great ratings by the public, are accredited, or have a good safety record.
  • Location and transportation: Consider the camp’s location and whether transportation is provided or if you’ll need to arrange for transportation yourself. Make sure the camp’s location is convenient for you and your child.

Summer STEM camps are a fantastic option for parents looking to provide their children with an engaging and educational summer experience. Explore hands-on learning opportunities, build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork and communication, and inspire creativity and innovation. 

By choosing the right summer STEM camp for your child, you can give them a head start on developing the skills they need to succeed in the future. Go ahead and check out our multiple camp locations and see if there’s one that’s right for your child. You never know, it could be the start of an exciting journey towards a bright and rewarding future in STEM and innovation!

Education, Uncategorized

Code like a girl!

Does your daughter love any STEM subject? Girls who learn how to code may help preserve and boost their confidence. Here’s why and how to start coding like a girl:

Girls have been historically underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. According to a recent study from Florida State University, many young girls who love STEM subjects may wind up abandoning these interests before high school or college. 

The study shows that part of the problem resides in a tendency among girls to underrate their own abilities in subjects like math or engineering, which later leads them to pursue other interests instead. That’s why girls need extra encouragement regarding STEM interests. And the sooner the better because often girls begin to drift away from their STEM-related interests as early as fifth or sixth grade.

That’s a shame because STEM education and careers play a vital role in shaping the future of our world and improving the quality of life for people. It also means that many highly-intelligent girls won’t explore their talents in the job market for these fields—ones that typically offer excellent job security and higher-than-average salaries.

Code like a girl

So here are some reasons why it’s important for girls to be encouraged and supported in STEM:

Diversity:

Women bring unique perspectives, experiences and problem-solving skills to STEM fields. Gender diversity leads to a more innovative and effective work environment.

Closing the Gender Pay Gap:

Women who work in STEM careers often earn higher salaries than those in non-STEM fields, helping to close the gender pay gap.

Improving the Representation of Women in Leadership Positions:

Encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers can help increase the representation of women in leadership positions, leading to a more balanced and inclusive workplace culture.

Solving Global Challenges:

STEM fields are at the forefront of solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as climate change and access to healthcare. By encouraging girls to participate in STEM, we are giving them the tools to make a positive impact on the world.

Encouraging Creativity and Innovation:

STEM careers encourage creativity and innovation, helping girls to develop important skills that can be applied in many different fields.

In conclusion, it’s essential to support and encourage both boys and girls to pursue STEM education and careers. Exposing children to different learning experiences increases the opportunities for them to find the right fit for what they like to do. By doing so, we can create a more diverse, equitable, and innovative future. Check out our STEM classes and camps so your daughter can code like a girl!

Uncategorized

Robot Building and Coding for kids

Robot building and coding and programming are two activities that are becoming increasingly popular among kids, and for good reason. Not only are they fun and engaging, but they also provide a number of benefits that can help kids develop important skills for the future.

First, let’s talk about robot building

When kids build robots, they are engaging in hands-on learning that allows them to apply concepts they have learned in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes. For example, they can learn about how gears and motors work, how to use sensors, and how to program their robot to perform specific tasks. This hands-on learning approach is more effective than traditional classroom learning because it allows kids to see the practical application of what they have learned. This is why we focus so much on hands-on activities and project-based learning and exploration at CodeREV STEM Camps.

gorls building robots

In addition, robot building helps kids develop problem-solving skills. Building a robot requires kids to think critically and creatively to solve problems that arise during the building process. For example, they might have to figure out how to make their robot move in a straight line or how to make it respond to certain sensors. By working through these challenges, kids learn how to break down problems into smaller parts, think logically, and come up with creative solutions.

Another great thing about robot building is that it helps kids develop teamwork skills. Often, kids work in groups to build robots, like campers do at CodeREV STEM Camps, which means they have to communicate effectively, share ideas, and collaborate to achieve a common goal. This is a valuable skill that will serve them well in the future, whether they pursue a career in STEM or not.

Now let’s talk about coding and programming

Coding and programming are essential skills for the future, as technology is clearly becoming an increasingly important part of our lives. By learning how to code, kids can create interactive games, animations, and other digital projects. They can also create programs that can solve problems, such as sorting a list of numbers or analyzing data.

Coding also helps kids develop problem-solving skills, just like robot building. When kids code, they have to think critically and creatively to solve problems that arise during the coding process. For example, they might have to figure out how to make a character move in a game or how to make a program respond to user input. By working through these challenges, kids learn how to break down problems into smaller parts, think logically, and come up with creative solutions.

kids coding at camp

Another great thing about coding and programming is that it helps kids develop computational thinking skills. Computational thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves breaking down a problem into smaller parts, creating a plan to solve the problem, and testing the plan to see if it works. This is an essential skill for the future, as more and more jobs require the ability to work with complex data and solve problems using technology.

Additionally, coding and programming help kids develop CREATIVITY. With coding, kids can create their own games, animations and digital projects, they can express themselves in unique ways and turn their imagination into reality. It also helps them in understanding the logic behind digital products and how they are made, which in return can help them in creating better designs and products. Thus, turning our kids into active creators (rather than passive consumers)!

In conclusion

Finally, coding and programming can help kids develop persistence and determination. Learning to code can be challenging, and kids will inevitably encounter problems and errors along the way. However, by learning to persist in the face of these challenges, kids can develop determination and a “can-do” attitude that will serve them well in the future.

In conclusion, robot building and coding and programming are two activities that are not only fun and engaging for kids but also provide a number of benefits that can help kids develop important skills for the future. From hands-on learning, problem-solving, teamwork, computational thinking, creativity, persistence, and determination, these activities offer a wealth of opportunities for kids to learn and grow while helping them prepare for the future.

Uncategorized

Summer Tech Camp 2022

Is your child into computers, video games, and technology? But are you concerned about too much unsupervised screen time? Attending a summer tech camp with this focus is actually a great way for kids to explore this interest while living a new experience with kids their age and expert instructors to guide them in a safe and constructive environment that can direct their interests towards more productive activities. 

While your child learns how to create games, sites and applications with some of their favorite games like Minecraft or Roblox, they have the opportunity to learn completely new languages while exercising their logic. When you learn a new language like Java, Python, Javascript, Lua or other forms of code, you are learning a new way to think and solve problems.

By understanding how technology around them works, kids also learn to use and grow skills and qualities for the rest of their life, especially as technology’s prevalence continues to grow in the workplace. Here are some of the in-person and virtual classes your child can sign up for in CodeREV’s Summer Tech Camp 2022:

Minecraft Level Design & Engineering

Summer Tech Camps - Minecraft

Ages 6-11

Grades 1-2; 3-5

In our most popular class for this age group, students learn the ins and outs of level design and game design while learning to engineer in Minecraft by using Red Stone. Students even learn basic code commands too! This class offers thrills AND education alike as students explore their inner Da Vinci in a STEM format perfect for Minecraft lovers!

**Level 2** Dives into more complex Redstone, level design, and commands

Adventures in Programming

Summer Tech Camp - Adventures in Programming

Ages 6-9

Grades 1-2; 3-5

Students adventure through code as they begin exploring coding fundamentals by making games and animations using block-based coding in softwares such as Pencilcode, Scratch, Kodu and more. No prior typing experience or coding experience required. Kids sculpt their coding muscles in this adventure and leave having learned to code!!

**LEVEL 2** Level 2 dives deeper into coding concepts and assumes prior coding experience.

MathCraft

Summer Tech Camp - Mathcraft

Ages 6-10

Grades 1-2; 3-5

Can you say win-win?! MathCraft is the class where both parents and students truly win as parents get to watch their students thrilled to do math! This class is a must for any parents who want their kids to enjoy math more and learn math more deeply. Students actually build math problems inside the game of Minecraft, and solve them using our one-of-a-kind, amazing MathCraft program. CodeREV is currently training teachers across America in this program, and even presented this groundbreaking class at conferences such as Minecon and the renowned ISTE EdTech conference! Math content is scaffolded so students work with their grade level relevant math to match age and ability.

Game Design

Summer Tech Camp - Game Design

Ages 8-10

Grades 3-5

Enter the world of Game Design, where students build amazing games. Students create multi-level games and learn to use programming concepts such as local and global variables, and the basics of object-oriented programming. We also teach students to animate characters to model whatever they want and can create games that look and feel great. Check out our Game Design video reel to view student work!

Roblox Studio Game Design (Micro)

Summer Tech Camp - Roblox

Ages 8-10

Grades 2-4

Roblox is one of the hottest places in the universe to make games, with cutting-edge graphics and new, amazing, game-building tools. In our Roblox Game Design course, kids use Roblox’s built-in editor to create 3D worlds and then use the popular LUA coding language to code game actions, elements and mechanics. CodeREV Roblox campers also learn how to publish and share their game to the Roblox community worldwide!

**Level 2** Assumes prior Roblox coding experience and focuses on building more complex games (such as simulators), game actions, and effects.

See more classes

Save your spot for Summer Tech Camp and use code SUMMER22 to get 10% OFF on virtual or in-person camp*

*Offer valid through May 15.

Parenting

Best Winter Activities for kids 2021

Winter break is just around the corner, which means we have to start planning winter activities to keep our kids happy and engaged while indoors. The holidays will feel different this year, but there are plenty of virtual and in-person options to have fun with our children. 

We’ve been working on a list of the best winter activities to keep your child entertained while getting prepared for their future in school and in life. We chose each of these activities thinking of their fun, educational and engaging nature. These winter activities can teach foundational STEM skills that will benefit our children in and out of the classroom.

So, get ready to find the perfect activity to make this winter unforgettable for you and your children.

Here are the best winter activities for kids in 2021:

Winter activities for kids

Build something amazing challenge

What better way to explore engineering than getting hands-on and start building with objects you can find at home! Gather any kind of object that could be useful: plastic cups, boxes, popsicle sticks, LEGO blocks, books, etc. Start exploring how different heights, shapes, sizes or weights work for different purposes and structures.

Idea: Create a challenge around the activity. Challenge your children to recreate an existing structure, like a famous building or bridge, with the objects you find at home.

Enjoy a family STEM movie night

Nurture your child’s interest in STEM with a STEM edition movie night! STEM is everywhere. You can find science, technology, engineering and math in almost any movie you choose. Gather the family and choose between science and technology documentaries, biographical films or science fiction flicks to find the role of STEM in the movie.

Idea: You can watch The Theory of Everything to be inspired by Steven Hawking’s life as a physicist. You can also try Radioactive, which highlights Madame Marie Curie’s brilliance and her courage as a female scientist. Hidden Figures is another great choice and tells the inspiring true story of pioneering female, African-American scientists at NASA. 

Create an offline game:

If your child loves playing games, it’s time to design their own! Game creation can really improve your child’s problem-solving skills, creativity and confidence. You can start by brainstorming and helping them think of the fundamentals of the game: How many people can play the game? Does the game have rules for the players? What is the game’s objective? What characters will the game include?  After that, it’s time to start building the game. Create a game board, characters, cards, dice, costumes or any other pieces needed to play the game.

Idea: You can choose to create a physical game or program the idea of the game online. 

Design a video game

Creating their own video game is an amazing way for kids and teens to put their ideas into action! If your child is more into online activities, you can integrate online STEM activities with a purpose. By learning a kid-friendly coding language children can combine their interests with valuable 21st century skills.

Idea: Try out our Online or In-person Winter Tech Camps. We’ve designed the ultimate Coding, STEAM, Game Design, Engineering, and Digital Design camp experience for children led by expert instructors with extensive virtual teaching experience!

Experiment with science

Explore science at home with easy-to-do science experiments! You can get your kids excited about science by trying out science experiments with nothing more than objects you can find around the house. You can try from making frozen bubbles or crafting crystallized ornaments to be amazed with magic milk. Next time your kids tell you they’re bored, set up one of these experiments and watch them be amazed!

Idea: Pinterest has an amazing repertory for fun experiments for kids, teens and the whole family! 

We really hope these fun winter activities will make this winter break fun and productive! 

Parenting

Best family-friendly video games

Playing video games with your kids is a much better practice than you may think. Of course, we don’t want our kids growing up in front of the screen, but taking the time to share some quality screen time with them is a great idea. Video games have become more than an entertaining tool; video games are incredible tools to learn through play, experience and action.

Learning through games is often used to make knowledge more accessible and easy to connect with not only for kids, but also for adults. Think of Duolingo or Fitbit, apps designed to help engage its users with learning. Video games can do that too. That’s why we’ve created a list of games that are both fun and educational that you definitely should try with your children at home. 

Best family-friendly video games

The Little Big Planet series:

This game series follows the adventures of Sackboy and his friends. The first two games are mostly platform-jumping and avoiding obstacles to make it to the next level. Players can also create their own levels, customize characters or build complex contraptions in a level. The game also helps develop logic, spatial orientation skills, design and problem solving.

Minecraft:

Minecraft is like virtual Legos. Minecraft has so many educational benefits for kids that it’s widely used in schools and tech camps to teach creativity, problem solving skills, engineering concepts, math and much more. Minecraft lets its users explore and create worlds by gathering resources, crafting tools and engaging in some combat. The flexibility of the game allows kids to approach the game in multiple ways which makes it more interesting for kids. It is also a great way to change sides and get involved letting your kid teach you something for a change.

Snipperclips:

This is a largely underrated co-operation game that’s perfect for parents and their children. Screaming instructions at each other, laughing hysterically and high-fiving as you snip your way through really fun levels are some of the characteristics of this game. Players must come up with creative ways to solve multiple puzzles, each one with unique objectives, such as fitting inside a shape template, carrying objects, or cutting out a pointed end in order to pop balloons.

Kerbal Space Program:

With this game your child can explore physics, the solar system, mathematics and basic aerospace engineering. This is a rocket simulation game, and it focuses on a space program for an alien race called the Kerbals. The idea behind the game is to build a rocket that works based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Once you get your Kerbals into space, you can explore the solar system, build bases and construct space stations. The game got a lot of attention from NASA and the B612 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to planetary science and planetary defense.

Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego?

Explore the capitals of nations across the globe, locations of historic events and other geographical facts. Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego? is a series of three video games that use Google Earth software and can be played by clicking the icon of Carmen Sandiego. Players use the magnifying glass to interview witnesses in different cities, gather clues while learning about geography and history. When they think they’ve figured out the next step, they can click the airplane icon to fly to the next city and continue unraveling the mystery.

Video games have become an excellent way to learn, have fun and, as parents, to be able to connect with our children. Have you tried or heard your children talk about any of these games? Tell us in the comments if you would try any of these video games with your children, or if you have any others you enjoy playing together!