Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are essential in various industries. However, they are filled with complex ideas and topics that can be challenging for some children to learn. Incorporating STEM subjects into play can encourage children to learn about STEM while having fun.
STEM playgrounds are designed to teach children about science while they play. They can use existing equipment or specific STEM playground equipment. Ultimately, STEM playgrounds are an effective way of helping children develop soft skills, develop a deeper understanding of the world and make science fun.
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Combining science and play has numerous benefits for children of all ages. Here are a few advantages of combining science and play:
Playgrounds consist of varying play structures and elements that can easily be incorporated into fun lessons about different science concepts. Here are seven science concepts children can learn on the playground:
Friction, air resistance, momentum and motion are invisible forces that can be tricky to teach and may be hard for kids to understand. Playgrounds can help make these concepts more tangible and easier for children to understand.
Explaining why rolling balls eventually come to a stop and how the friction on different surfaces can slow down moving objects is easier when children can see everything in action on a playground.
One of the most straightforward science concepts to teach on the playground is gravity. Throwing balls up in the air, jumping and sliding are simple yet effective ways to teach kids about this invisible concept. Kids can be taught why objects come back down to Earth instead of continuing to float in the air.
It’s essential that kids learn about balancing themselves and other objects. Practicing their balance can help kids improve their coordination and physical abilities. Balance also extends to stabilizing objects on different surfaces. Some easy ways for children to learn about balance include using seesaws, balance beams, swings and scales.
An easy concept to learn on the playground is light. Children can be taught how different materials react to light, including how objects reflect it or if it affects something’s temperature.
Shadows are another element of light that can be seen on the playground. Kids can see how their shadows change shape at different times of the day and even how various weather conditions impact how dark their shadows become.
There are several ways kids can be taught about the weather during play. Kids can monitor clouds for signs of rain, create weather charts and even experience rain and snow in a controlled way.
Children can be taught about how rain, snow, hail and wind form, identify different clouds, and see how weather can affect playground structures and the environment around the playground.
Similar to weather, seasons can be taught on the playground. Kids can learn about the rotation of the Earth and why it’s one season for them and another in other countries. They can also learn how different regions experience seasons, like dry summers and wet winters.
Playgrounds can be full of different animals and insects, especially if there are many natural elements in and around the playground. Kids can learn about the seasonal habits, feeding and living habits of the animals and insects they see.
Here are four fun physical science games you can try on the playground:
Keep these fun outdoor science games in mind when designing or upgrading your playground. To create a STEM playground, you can choose specific playground structures geared toward science.
Playworld supplies various playground equipment such as the PlayCubes®, Branch Out® and Unity® Collection that can be incorporated into outdoor science games to make STEM fun for children to learn.
Discover more about our playground equipment or request a quote for a STEM playground today!