The US has traditionally been a leader in science and technology. This is largely attributable to the country's educational system, which encourages young people to conduct research, develop, invent, and discover new things. However, the US is currently experiencing a skills gap in the sectors of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, similar to many other industrialized countries (STEM). 

Additionally, the economy is evolving. All industries are seeing development and innovation thanks in large part to technology. People are required to conceive, develop, and maintain these new technologies in order to maintain this technological boom.

The increasing demand for STEM subjects skills

As a result of AI solutions, we are currently witnessing ground-breaking developments in a variety of fields, including computers and engineering as well as the digitalization of vocations and functions that formerly primarily relied on people. As a result, the market share of STEM vocations will increase. As the nation struggles to produce the next generation of technical specialists to satisfy this need and compete globally, this is a serious challenge for both companies and universities.

Early exposure to STEM through play for young learners can make a significant contribution to closing the skills gap. Early childhood play is crucial for learning, practicing, and developing new skills. It is also critical to a child's growth. Reading aloud to their children when they are young, buying books for them after they can read, or having lengthy talks with them when their speech is still developing are all important ways that parents have traditionally supported literacy abilities in their children.

STEM toys are built on the idea that they impart a method, whether it is design, engineering, science, or another. Children intuitively infer causal relationships from their observations of their local environment. They can focus with amazing intensity when delving deeply into an issue. Through play, parents may encourage children's natural curiosity while also teaching them the necessary skills to better prepare them for a world that is becoming more and more technological.

Inside the classroom

We should also not overlook the value that STEM toys have to offer in a school environment. The failure to engage with young children can often be an obstacle to helping them obtain STEM literacy. Schools, too, can enhance the classroom experience by adopting STEM toys into playtime, and by making science and math lessons more interactive. This is why, at NextWaveSTEM, we supply robots, drones, 3D printers, and more, even for the youngest learners; because we know how vital hands-on learning is at every age!