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STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning is essential to a student’s education. As educators and school administrators, it is our job to find innovative, engaging ways to introduce students to STEM concepts. Because of the nature of STEM subjects, these lessons are often hands-on and connect to real-world examples. An effective way to facilitate STEM in the classroom is through competitions and challenges. This activity-based approach to STEM learning gets students invested, helps them see why it is essential, and allows them to practice incorporating what they have learned into new scenarios. This article outlines the benefits and logistics of incorporating STEM competitions and challenges in the classroom.
STEM competitions serve as an educational tool that increases student motivation, performance, and problem-solving skills. These competitions, when conducted properly, create a dynamic learning environment that encourages students to think critically about what they are learning to strengthen their problem-solving skills. The competitive nature of this learning approach is an effective way to motivate students to give their full effort toward the STEM lesson.
Aside from heightened motivation, STEM competitions benefit educators and school administrators by providing a flexible platform for customizing their STEM lesson plans. The structure of these competitions can be redesigned and adjusted frequently to focus on different STEM concepts. By making each STEM competition unique, student engagement will stay high by continuing to apply their knowledge to a variety of different STEM concepts and real-world applications. STEM competitions teach students the real-world application of STEM skills and provide an environment to exercise 21st-century skills – both of which are essential skills in the workforce.
There are a variety of different nationally and internationally recognized STEM competitions and challenges for students. Below is a list of some established STEM competitions and challenges that educators and school administrators can leverage and facilitate with students.
Preparing students for STEM competitions involves more than just improving their STEM literacy. It also requires creating a positive learning environment that fosters a competitive spirit, teaches practical problem-solving techniques, encourages teamwork and collaboration, and provides resources for independent learning and research.
To create a supportive environment for STEM competitions, educators and school administrators have to prepare beyond academic preparation. While academic preparation and STEM literacy are important, it is equally essential to create an environment where students feel they can take risks and push themselves mentally. Here is a list of ways to create a supportive STEM environment in your school and classroom.
It can be difficult to see how STEM competitions and challenges integrate into your classroom curriculum. There are a variety of resources for teachers and school administrators looking to add STEM competitions into their curriculum at the classroom, school, or district level. Below is a list of some of the many resources that can be used to help implement STEM competitions with students.
In a world that is increasingly reliant on STEM-based skills, equipping children with a robust understanding of STEM is more important than ever. At STEM Sports®, we are committed to creating a quality STEM curriculum that helps improve student STEM literacy and their ability to connect what they learn to the real world. We do this through a sports-based STEM curriculum, which means each lesson connects to a real-world sports example.
Each curriculum uses a different sport to facilitate hands-on STEM lessons that provide insight into why STEM concepts matter and how each can be used in everyday life. For example, STEM Golf links principles of engineering and science in the context of golf – introducing students to the science behind the swing.
Visit our website to explore our curriculum and learn more about how our approach to STEM learning can help integrate STEM competitions in the classroom.
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