How to Explore STEM With Grandchildren

Grandparents are often the greatest teachers. They know the importance of inspiring the next generation with storytelling, nurturing exploration and offering great advice. Grandparents can even be the catalyst for early STEM experiences. From baking family recipes to exploring the outdoors on a nature walk, many grandparents have already led STEM activities with their grandkids whether they realize it or not.

The Benefits of Exploring STEM With Grandchildren

The cognitive and social benefits of grandchildren and grandparents learning and playing together through STEM activities are backed by science. Recent research suggests that neurophysiological processes in both child development and healthy aging affect multigenerational inter-brain coupling – a neural marker that has been linked to a range of socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes.

These findings highlight what we already know – grandparent and grandchild engagement is mutually beneficial. Participating in STEM activities together supports the early stages of rapid brain development in grandchildren while keeping the aging brain of grandparents sharp. So, how can you help your grandchild see the world through the lens of STEM? Point to it in your everyday experiences. For example, something as simple as building a classic childhood fort involves engineering and quick problem-solving skills. Read on to find more ways to explore STEM with grandchildren!

STEM Activities for Grandparents

Grandparents see the value in their grandchild’s ideas, which makes them ideal collaborators. Unlock joy and creativity by considering these everyday STEM activities to put purpose behind play as you make new discoveries with your grandchild.

STEM in the Kitchen

Let your kitchen double as a STEM lab! Whether you’re teaching mathematics through fractions in a recipe or exploring chemical reactions through cooking, STEM in the kitchen is a family favorite. Grandparents can help grandkids learn their way around the kitchen while incorporating core STEM concepts by exploring the chemistry of caramelization or even mastering the science of popcorn.

Consider baking bread from scratch like you may have learned from your own parents. By incorporating kid-friendly kitchen science, ask open-ended questions like, “I wonder what’s making the bread rise?” This is the perfect way to encourage curiosity and learn about usefulness of yeast and the role of fermentation in baking. Grandparents have a special way of infusing wisdom as they explain the history of common kitchen ingredients.

STEM Outdoors

The more familiar children are with the natural world, the better! When children connect with nature, they are more likely to want to protect it. Be the ultimate storyteller as you share memories of your own outdoor adventures as a child. As you take your budding environmentalist on a hike, explore the vibrant colors of nature with this STEM activity. If your grandchild shares an interest in the animals in nature, consider researching local wildlife and assist with their exploration. Looking for a project? Check out these tips for growing a kid-friendly garden.

STEM as a Gift

In today’s world, the best gifts we can give are experiences. By encouraging your grandchild to explore STEM, you’re not only opening doors to important skills but also creating more opportunities to connect and make memories together. Imagine sending them to a STEM summer camp where each day they uncover the stories of inventors from the past, sparking questions about how life might have been before modern technology and discoveries.

Camp Invention^® provides hands-on STEM experiences that boost confidence and inspire young minds to think like world-changing innovators. As kids discover the incredible innovations made by inventors throughout history, they can reflect with grandparents about how much the world has changed – and maybe you can even recall your own experiences before certain inventions came along. Send your grandchild to Camp Invention and ask them to show you what they learned!

Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators

STEM doesn’t just engage young minds; it can also be a bridge between generations! Uncover their growing interests and plan your next adventure together, whether it’s building something new or exploring everyday STEM. As you share more childhood memories with your curious grandchild, subscribe to our newsletter to have more STEM-inspired activities delivered directly to your inbox.