STEM education is not a new idea; it's been around for some time, and you may have come across it before. However, it's currently generating even more interest. So, what is STEM education, why is it important, and can it be engaging?
In this article, we'll provide answers to these questions and more. So, keep reading as we introduce you to STEM education and share some thrilling STEM games that make learning simple and enjoyable for middle school students. Let's dive in!
An Introduction to STEM Education
Before we explore the top resources, apps, and games designed for STEM education, let's define it. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM education encompasses a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach that integrates all four disciplines. It's an educational approach that significantly emphasizes these critical subject areas.
Why should you care? In today's world, STEM knowledge and skills have become incredibly valuable in the workplace and in life. Over the past decade, there has been rapid growth in job opportunities related to STEM fields. This trend sets certain expectations for students. While you might not need to write essays yourself – you can delegate them to a trusted English essay writer at EssayService – you do need to excel in STEM subjects. Otherwise, your future career prospects might not shine as brightly.
In the professional world, various STEM fields are advancing rapidly, offering promising and often well-paying careers. Therefore, to prepare students for the future and set them up for success, educators, parents, and students must ensure they have access to high-quality STEM education.
The Top 9 STEM Games for Middle-Schoolers: Although STEM education revolves around serious and challenging subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math – none typically considered students' favorites – it doesn't have to be dull. Unlike most classroom activities, such as essay writing, STEM learning provides numerous opportunities for students to have fun. Various entertaining games are used in STEM education to simplify the study of complex subjects and make it enjoyable.
If you want to learn more and enjoy your studies, consider putting aside another dull paper – or even better, let a professional essay writer help you with it – and continue reading to discover the nine most exciting STEM games, apps, and resources available today!
1. Math Blaster
You may still think studying math is challenging and tedious. Our first STEM gaming recommendation, Math Blaster, turns that notion on its head. Math Blaster differs from your typical game; it's a fantastic online resource with numerous math games and activities. These engaging activities make it easier for students to master math while having a blast.
Math Blaster offers various games suitable for different grade levels and multiple branches of mathematics. It's undeniably one of the best resources to enhance your STEM skills and knowledge.
2. Inventioneers
Physics can be challenging to grasp, and if you need help with the basics, it can lead to homework nightmares. Sure, you can seek help from a professional essay writing service to tackle your assignments, but here's a fun alternative to finally conquer physics.
Meet Inventioneers, a nifty app compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This app was designed to transform the fundamentals of physics into an enjoyable gaming experience. Throughout the game, students get to create their inventions, guaranteeing a fun and educational adventure.
3. K-5 Science for Kids - Tappity
Learning about science, especially for younger middle school students, often becomes dull. Enter K-5 Science for Kids, a category within the Tappity app for iOS designed to revolutionize how kids perceive science education.
Inside this app, middle school students will discover a vast library of lessons, stories, games, and other engaging activities. Tappity covers over 100 science topics, including biology, astronomy, physics, and more. With this app, students will develop a newfound love for science.
4. Exploratorium
Another fantastic resource for middle school STEM education is Exploratorium. Much like Math Blaster, Exploratorium isn't a game or app itself; it's an educational website packed with a wealth of valuable materials and activities spanning history, engineering, technology, math, physics, and other STEM subjects.
This online resource offers students the best of both worlds—informative content and ample room for creativity and enjoyment. With Exploratorium, STEM education becomes both simple and enjoyable.
5. The Elements by Theodore Gray
Compatible with iOS devices, The Elements by Theodore Gray focuses on teaching students about the periodic table. While it may not be a conventional game, it is equally captivating. This app employs detailed 3D graphics to impart the basics of chemistry engagingly.
Through The Elements by Theodore Gray, students delve into the world of various elements on the periodic table, learning about their properties and how they interact with our surroundings. While primarily designed for younger students, its informativeness and exceptional graphics make it appealing to adults.
6. NASA Kids' Club
For middle school students with a fascination for space, NASA Kids' Club is a goldmine of resources. This website, created by the renowned aeronautics and space organization NASA, provides everything students need to explore space and aeronautics. It includes lessons, galleries, NASA TV, and many informative materials.
In STEM, NASA Kids' Club offers a diverse range of STEM engagement activities and games that can be enjoyed at home and in the classroom. Each activity guarantees unforgettable learning experiences for middle school students.
7. The Human Body by Tinybop
Anatomy can be a daunting subject for middle school students, and the human body's complexities can be overwhelming. Traditional learning methods may only sometimes capture students' interest. However, The Human Body by Tinybop transforms anatomy into an enjoyable and accessible experience.
As an app for iOS and Android, The Human Body by Tinybop presents a wealth of information about the human body. It features detailed, high-quality, interactive models and systems teaching kids about human anatomy. Additionally, the app offers discussion questions and interaction hints that enhance the learning experience at home or in the classroom.
8. Science Kids
Science Kids is a dedicated website designed to make science and technology engaging and accessible for middle school students. It offers a friendly learning space where students can access many free videos, lessons, and facts spanning various science and technology topics.
Beyond theoretical content, Science Kids provides numerous fun learning tools, including exciting experiments and engaging games. It has everything students need to foster a genuine love for science and technology.
9. TryEngineering
Regarding engineering, it's not always the subject that gets students excited. It demands a solid foundation of knowledge and technical skills, which can be quite a challenge for middle school students. But here comes TryEngineering, ready to reshape this perception.
TryEngineering is an online platform powered by IEEE, the world's largest international association of experts in engineering and technology. This platform is a goldmine of informative articles and lessons covering various engineering topics. What truly sets it apart, though, is the inclusion of engaging games that let kids step into the shoes of engineers and have a blast while learning.
In Conclusion
STEM education is paramount in our contemporary world as employment prospects in STEM-related fields flourish. Proficiency in math, technology, science, and engineering has become one of the most promising routes to a successful future career for students. This is precisely why STEM education is in such high demand today.
After reading this article, students, parents, and educators should understand the essence of STEM education, its significance, and, most importantly, how to inject it into education with excitement and effectiveness. The games and resources mentioned in this article provide an immersive and enjoyable learning journey. Be sure to bookmark them to aid yourself, your kids, or your students in excelling in STEM subjects effortlessly!