How can you get parents to support STEM education?

1 Explain the value of STEM

One of the first steps to get parents to support STEM education is to explain the value of STEM for their children's academic and career success. STEM skills are not only useful for specific fields, but also for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. STEM education also exposes students to a variety of topics and disciplines that can spark their curiosity and passion. You can share examples of how STEM relates to real-world issues and opportunities, such as climate change, health care, robotics, or gaming.

2 Provide resources and guidance

Another way to get parents to support STEM education is to provide them with resources and guidance on how to help their children learn and explore STEM at home. You can suggest websites, apps, books, podcasts, videos, or online courses that cover STEM topics and activities. You can also give them tips on how to ask open-ended questions, encourage experimentation, and offer feedback. You can also invite them to join online or in-person STEM events, such as workshops, webinars, fairs, or competitions.

3 Showcase student work and achievements

A third way to get parents to support STEM education is to showcase student work and achievements in STEM projects and assignments. You can use newsletters, blogs, social media, or portfolios to share what students are doing and learning in STEM classes. You can also invite parents to attend presentations, exhibitions, or demonstrations of student work. By showcasing student work and achievements, you can help parents see the progress and potential of their children in STEM and celebrate their efforts and accomplishments.

4 Involve parents in STEM activities

A fourth way to get parents to support STEM education is to involve them in STEM activities with their children. You can assign homework or projects that require parent participation, such as building a model, conducting an experiment, or solving a challenge. You can also organize family STEM nights, where parents and children can engage in fun and hands-on STEM activities together. By involving parents in STEM activities, you can help them experience the joy and excitement of STEM and bond with their children over shared interests.

5 Connect with parent groups and organizations

A fifth way to get parents to support STEM education is to connect with parent groups and organizations that promote and advocate for STEM education. You can reach out to your school's parent-teacher association, local STEM clubs, or national STEM networks and ask them to collaborate with you on raising awareness and support for STEM education. You can also encourage parents to join these groups and organizations and learn from other parents who are passionate about STEM. By connecting with parent groups and organizations, you can create a community of allies and partners for STEM education.

6 Solicit parent feedback and input

A sixth way to get parents to support STEM education is to solicit their feedback and input on your STEM curriculum and instruction. You can use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to ask parents about their opinions, expectations, concerns, or suggestions for improving STEM education. You can also invite parents to participate in planning, decision-making, or evaluation processes related to STEM education. By soliciting parent feedback and input, you can show them that you value their perspectives and involvement and address any issues or gaps in STEM education.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?