Informal STEM Learning at Home and in Community Spaces
by Bradley Morris
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About This Book
Children in Western countries spend only about 20% of their waking time in school (Meltzoff et al., 2009). Leveraging the 80% of time that they spend outside of school can provide children with opportunities to engage in meaningful, authentic STEM learning experiences with family members, other caregivers, and children. STEM learning and readiness go beyond acquiring content knowledge to include interest, engagement, and motivation for STEM learning as well as the formation of a STEM identity. T
Our Review
This insightful exploration reveals how the vast majority of children's learning happens outside the classroom, arguing that everyday environments are rich with opportunities for authentic science, technology, engineering, and math development. Author Bradley Morris moves beyond rote content knowledge to frame STEM readiness as a holistic concept encompassing genuine interest, sustained engagement, and the crucial formation of a STEM identity. The book provides a compelling case for leveraging the 80% of waking hours spent at home and in community spaces as a powerful, untapped educational resource.
Its focus on the social and emotional dimensions of learning shows how interactions with family and peers in informal settings can ignite a lasting passion for STEM subjects. It’s an essential read for parents, educators, and community leaders seeking practical strategies to transform mundane moments into meaningful scientific discovery. By shifting the focus from formal instruction to everyday curiosity, this book has the potential to fundamentally change how we cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
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