National STEM/STEAM Day: Every Child Can INNOV8!
Big Ideas Begin with Little Discoveries.
November 8th is National STEM/STEAM Day!
It is a special day to celebrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The date even gives us a fun way to think about the word innovate.
NOV8. INNOV8.
Innovation is about finding new or better ways to do things. It can start with a big idea, but it can also begin with a simple question.
"What if I try this?"
"Why does that happen?"
"Can I make it better?"
Children ask questions like these every day.
And every question is a chance to learn something new.
At Siohan Press, we believe children don't have to wait until they grow up to become thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
Big Ideas Can Start Small
As an engineer, children's author, and FIRST LEGO League coach, I've spent years helping children explore ideas and solve problems.
One thing I've learned is that children often see things differently than adults.
They come up with ideas we may not expect. They try things that may not work. They make changes and try again.
And that's a good thing.
When a child builds a tower that falls, they can learn how to make it stronger.
When a child asks why something happens, they are taking the first step toward finding an answer.
These moments matter.
Children learn that they can face a challenge, think about what to do, and keep trying.
That's how confidence grows.
You don't need expensive tools or special training to help a child explore STEM.
Here are a few examples.
Cooking dinner?
Let your child measure ingredients, count cups, or notice how food changes as it cooks.
That's math and science.
Building with blocks?
Ask your child to make a bridge or build the tallest tower they can.
That's engineering.
Planning a trip?
Look at a map together. Talk about how far you're going and how long it might take.
That's math, technology, and problem-solving.
Drawing a picture?
Ask your child to design something that could help make a daily task easier.
That's art, creativity, and engineering.
Reading a book?
Talk about what the characters are doing. Ask your child what they might do differently.
That's reading, thinking, and problem-solving.
These are simple things many families already do.
The difference is taking a moment to talk about what your child is learning.
That's the idea behind my book, The Power of Everyday STEM: Turning Daily Activities into Learning Adventures.
I wanted to help families see that they don't have to add more to their busy days to help children learn.
Sometimes, they just need to look at what they're already doing in a new way.
Keep the Learning Going with Siohan Press
National STEM/STEAM Day comes once a year, but children can explore STEM every day.
At Siohan Press, we create books that help connect reading with everyday experiences, new ideas, and learning.
Here are two books that can help keep the discovery going.
The Power of Everyday STEM: Turning Daily Activities into Learning Adventures
For parents, caregivers, and educators who want simple ways to bring STEM into everyday life.
Discover how familiar activities can become chances to learn, explore, and build new skills.
Explore The Power of Everyday STEM
The STEAM Scholars: Competition Day
For readers in grades 4–8 who enjoy teamwork, robotics, and solving problems.
Follow young students as they face challenges and work together during a robotics competition.
Discover The STEAM Scholars: Competition Day
How Will You INNOV8 Today?
As we celebrate National STEM/STEAM Day, I hope you'll take a moment to notice the little things children do every day.
The questions they ask.
The things they build.
The stories they tell.
The problems they try to solve.
You may discover that there's more learning happening than you realized.
You don't need to plan a big project or buy special supplies.
Start with a question. Try something new. Read a story together.
And give your child the chance to explore an idea of their own.
Because big ideas often begin with little discoveries.
Happy National STEM/STEAM Day!
Let's keep reading, exploring, creating, and innovating together.