The United States is seeing a dramatic drop in qualified individuals for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). To combat this downward trend, one organization is hoping to use educational toys to promote interest in these fields in children.
SME, a nonprofit organization that works to advance manufacturing in the US, collected and distributed nearly 600 educational toys to kids in Detroit, MI this past holiday season. They felt that it would be a great way to peak children’s interests in STEM curriculum. The strategy used by SME is based on a survey of over 4,000 scientists and engineers working in fields of chemistry and physics in which 70 percent noted that their interest in science developed before high school. Data suggests that interest in science and math drop as kids advance through school. In fact, only 14 percent of high school students in the US will sign up for STEM classes if offered.
Dennis Bray, SME president, commented on his organizations goals, saying, “We need to engage children sooner and in more robust ways. We cannot count on school alone. Playtime, in fact, offers an ideal opportunity to encourage kids to have fun with concepts related to STEM. Promoting early connections is vital to later educational and vocational interest in the manufacturing field.”
The US has always been a hot bed for scientific innovation, but it will not last unless we can pass a love for science and math down to our children. When shopping for toys with my kids, I tend to steer them towards toys that will promote cognitive and problem solving skills. Personally, would much rather see my little ones drawing or building things out of Legos, rather than sitting on the couch watching TV. So next time your looking for toys, keep in mind that the toys they play with are shaping their interests as well.
SOURCE: http://www.pressandguide.com/articles/2013/12/26/news/doc52bc34fc54633841439388.txt
Dina Shipley is a blogger and full time mother of 3. In addtion to the sources cited above, she referenced www.inveniotoys.com for added information.
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