PHOTO COURTESY DISCOVERY CUBE LA
In a world driven by technology and innovation, it’s more important now more than ever to equip children with the skills they need to succeed in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) fields. Thankfully, from STEM- and STEAM-focused schools and camps (summer and fall), our region abounds with fun-filled purposeful play and discovery in the STEAM fields.
But even if your child’s school or nearby camps don’t have a heavy STEAM emphasis, you can amp up their learning through a variety of apps and programs you can find online.
Scratch
For the curious gamers to start, Scratch is a programming language and online coding community where kids ages 8-16 can create their own interactive stories, games and animations. By using scratch, children can create digital stories, games and animations. For even younger children (ages 5-7), check out ScratchJr, where, through coding, children learn to solve problems, design projects and express themselves creatively through the computer.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles
With locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, Discovery Cube has STEM activities for the whole family all year long. Keep an eye out for enrollment dates for the Best Start STEM Family Fun Day in Los Angeles, which features biweekly workshops that will revolve around a different STEM topic, a hands-on activity and a book that each family can take home. Your kids will enjoy the immersive Dino Quest, where they can learn from reimagined dinosaur exhibits featuring an interactive dinosaur fossil excavation site.
Minecraft in the classroom
Chances are you’ve heard of Minecraft, that popular video game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds. With MinecraftEducation, an educational version teachers and parents can download, your young builder can collaborate with their peers to solve challenges creatively. With this version of Minecraft, young creatives can learn about history, architecture, physics and other subjects.
LEGO Robotics
LEGO Robotics online programs combine the fun of building with Lego bricks with the excitement of programming robots. Kids can design, build and program their own robots to complete various tasks, fostering creativity.
Little inventors
A dynamic online resource of customizable lesson plans and activities, LittleBits offers a range of electronic building blocks that kids can use to create their own inventions. Its popular learning kits introduce children to the world of electronics and circuits.
Code Ninjas
Code Ninjas, with locations in El Segundo, Silver Lake, Torrance and more, is designed to take your little coders love for technology and transform it into an exciting learning adventure. A team of “Code Senseis,” empowers kids to gain valuable tech and coding skills.
Rolling Robots
With locations in West L.A., Palos Verdes, Glendale and Irvine, Rolling Robots combines robotics, coding and fun — all wrapped into one big adventure.
Families can choose the ideal spring or summer camp nearby as they have more than 20 accessible spots spread around Southern California. Young inventors can find a variety of activities with more than 20 engaging STEM and robotics camps available.
Professor Egghead
Professor Egghead believes in doing science right. This academy offers STEM programs online, after school and through ongoing enrichment opportunities. This science academy prides itself on giving innovators the space to problem solve and collaborate. “Kids learn best by doing, so our goal is to create a lesson that has kids actively experimenting, rather than listening to someone talk on and on,” says Nick Fraher, founder of Professor Egghead.
The Los Angeles Arboretum
The Los Angeles Arboretum offers STEM camps for every season. With seasonal themes, this camp integrates playful exploration of its gardens. Children can create nature-inspired masterpieces, have a culinary adventure and indulge in many other hands-on experiences.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific helps little explorers dive into ocean exploration and marine life through activities and guided tours. Adventurers will get to discover the ocean and its inhabitants through crafts, tours and even through feeding some marine life animals. In the various classes, kids can learn about fish care, tide pool invertebrates, sharks and other fascinating sea creatures.
Heal the Bay
Santa Monica’s Heal the Bay offers the expansive classroom that is the beach, a report card that informs us of the quality of the water or SEA (science, environment and action) and an online curriculum that gets students up close with aquatic animals and teaches marine and environmental science through engaging videos and active, hands-on activities.
STEAM and STEM programs help provide kids with the tools they need to succeed in a technologically advancing world — and they’re also a great way to invoke creativity, wonder and discovery in all of us.
Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and frequent contributing writer for L.A. Parent.
