When we were kids, designated STEAM classes — that’s science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics — weren’t a thing. We had social studies, science, math, language arts…each subject was its own entity. But today, STEAM (or STEM, minus the art part) is a class of its own for kids in many middle and high schools, and it’s no wonder. In this tech-driven world, STEM education is key, both to Gen Alpha’s everyday lives at home and at school.

Nov. 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day, a day devoted to these studies. As the wife of a STEM/tech teacher, everyday is STEM Day in our house, but we won’t say no to an excuse to get the kid off his tablet and practicing his burgeoning science and math skills in other ways.

Whether your child is STEM-inclined or not so much, here are a few fun ways to celebrate STEM day outside of the classroom, no matter where you live or your child(ren)’s age:

• Visit a local STEM museum or exhibit. The Air & Space Museum in D.C. was peak STEM museum during our childhoods, but there are so many more hands-on, educational museums and exhibits like this nowadays for kids to visit. In the tri-state area, my family is big fans of the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey and the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, but check out this list of top STEM museums for other family-friendly options across the U.S. Alternatively, some organizations host STEM field trips like iFly, which combine science education with fun, hands-on activities.

• Sign up for a local STEM after-school class. It seems like there’s an extracurricular for everything nowadays, and that’s not a bad thing. Check your local school and library and/or ask in your parenting groups on Whatsapp or Facebook if your child is looking for a more out-of-the-box activity that fits under the STEAM umbrella. Some examples are coding, robotics, fashion design, or Lego building. You may even get an early bird discount if you book now for the January ‘25 spring semester.

• Invest in a fun STEM kit. I know, I know, the last thing your kid needs is more toys…but can educational ones be an exception? Lots of kids’ brands like Nat Geo Kids, Smithsonian, Learning Resources, and even Lego create all-in-one STEM toys for kids of all ages; think coding robots, fossil and digging sets, microscopes, and mechanical cyborgs. 

• Encourage your school to bring in a STEM expert. Maybe you’re part of the PTA, a teacher yourself, or simply an involved parent? Chat with the powers that be and see if you can bring in a STEM expert for a special assembly at your child’s school to talk about careers in the field (maybe not for this Nov. 8, but there’s always next year…). A mechanical engineer, an architect, a physicist, or a videogame designer would make for some pretty riveting presentations.

• Check online for more STEM inspiration. Okay, so maybe this final idea isn’t totally screen-free. But hop on TikTok or Instagram and check out the official hashtag, #NationalSTEMDay, for more fun STEM-inspired activities and tidbits. You’ll find everything from simple science experiments you can do at home to ways to combat gender bias in STEM.

How will you celebrate National STEM Day?  

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