Teaching STEM Subjects with Kide Science: A Guide
Kide Science, a groundbreaking educational platform, is transforming the way children learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. The Finnish company's methodology centres on a child-led, screen-free, and inquiry-based learning approach, treating children as active explorers instead of passive recipients of knowledge.
This innovative approach emphasises playful inquiry, whereby children generate questions, experiment, and discover scientific concepts through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences without relying on screens. The key elements of Kide Science's methodology are child-led learning, screen-free engagement, inquiry-based structure, and playful, multisensory experiences.
Child-led learning is at the heart of Kide Science's philosophy. Children are viewed as curious, competent learners who drive their own exploration. Educators act as facilitators who guide and support inquiry rather than dictate facts, encouraging children to ask questions and pursue their interests in science naturally.
The learning activities explicitly avoid screen time, focusing instead on tangible, real-world experiments and sensory play. This supports deeper engagement and attentiveness, especially in young learners, by involving multiple senses and direct interaction with materials.
Inspired by inquiry-based learning principles, Kide Science encourages children to start with open-ended questions, explore by investigating materials and phenomena directly, and discuss their observations. This process builds critical thinking, creativity, and scientific reasoning from early childhood onward.
Activities incorporate sensory elements (touch, smell, sight, sound) combined with scientific exploration, helping children connect science to their everyday world in a meaningful and enjoyable way. For example, children might explore textures, scents, or natural objects during experiments, reinforcing understanding through sensory discovery.
Kide Science's resources are designed to save teachers time on lesson planning and execution. They offer a range of lessons and resources for a variety of ages and abilities, with each lesson adaptable to different age groups, ensuring that every child can benefit from the engaging and interactive learning experiences.
The resources are laid out digitally and in print, making them easy for educators to use. Moreover, additional resources for teachers, such as a blog, training videos, a podcast, and professional development tools, are available on the Kide Science website.
Kide Science originated from years of research at the University of Helsinki and offers a screen-free, child-led learning experience. The platform encourages students to perform experiments at home with parents or guardians, making STEM education accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Kide Science focuses on teaching math, science, literacy, and critical thinking skills, using visually engaging resources designed to spark children's imaginations. Many of the lessons use household products as part of the experiments, making them affordable and easily accessible.
The platform encourages children to see problem-solving as a fun game and its lessons are designed to encourage creative problem-solving and exploration. Kide Science uses stories as a starting point for engaging students, followed by inquiry-based activities.
For immediate use, Kide Science offers a free curriculum. However, for classroom or school plans, contacting the company is necessary for a bespoke quote. Kide Science is a library of resources for teaching STEM education to students aged three to eight years old. By fostering exploration, critical thinking, and curiosity as foundations for science education, Kide Science is revolutionising the way young learners engage with and understand STEM subjects.
- Kide Science, a groundbreaking educational platform, is transforming the way children learn STEM subjects, focusing on child-led, screen-free, and inquiry-based learning.
- The platform's resources are designed to save teachers time on lesson planning and execution, offering a range of lessons and resources for various ages and abilities.
- Kide Science encourages children to start with open-ended questions, explore, and discuss their observations, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and scientific reasoning from early childhood.
- The learning activities incorporate sensory elements combined with scientific exploration, helping children connect science to their everyday world in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
- Kide Science is revolutionizing the way young learners engage with and understand STEM subjects by fostering exploration, critical thinking, and curiosity as foundations for science education.
