Does your child show an interest in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at an early age?
According to The Straits Times, a survey done in 2019 reported that although many Singaporeans are fascinated by science, only a few are willing to embark on careers related to the STEM field. A survey by global science firm 3M also found that parents play a major role in influencing their children’s career choices.
STEM subjects are important parts of your child’s education. So, if your child has shown interest in the STEM field, you can choose to further excite them by introducing them to fun engineering books and activities.
5 Engineering books to get your child
Engineering books help ignite the desire to learn engineering from a young age. And we’re not talking about the generic storybooks about a damsel in distress or a superhero fighting monsters, we’re talking about educational and fun engineering books that foster imagination, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
1) Engineering the ABC’s: How Engineers Shape Our World (Age 4+)
This book is written by a mother who is also an engineer. The book asks the reader to imagine a world without cars, computers, toys, television, and even movies. Then, it asks the readers to imagine a world without engineers, the people who make these everyday items. This book does a great job of explaining how engineering connects to the items that we see every day and it works to provoke curiosity in children.
2) Janice VanCleave’s Engineering for Every Kid: Easy Activities That Make Learning Science Fun (Age 8+)
Instead of giving a story, this book shares multiple experiments that children can try. The experiments introduce children to all kinds of engineering, taking into account the purpose of the activities and the materials used.
3) How Machines Work: Zoo Break! (Age 4 – 8)
This is no ordinary book—the book has pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, and levers to encourage children to take interest in engineering. The book is about a story of two animals, Sloth and Sengi, who try to escape the zoo by using simple machines. These simple machines will introduce your child to a pulley, scissors, and even a bike.
4) Iggy Peck, Architect (Age 5 – 8)
This book tells a story about Iggy Peck, a creative and independent boy who is not afraid to express himself. And he loves to build! At just two years old, he started to build a tower from glue and diapers. But Iggy’s talent is not supported by his teacher. So, how can Iggy develop his talents? This book will take your child to experience fun adventures as an architect and encourages them to start building!
5) The Day the Crayons Quit (Age 3+)
This book has a clever approach to solving problems and it teaches children about emotions. For instance, the colour blue is sick and tired of being used to colour water and the colour black wants to do more than just outlining. Unlike the other engineering books mentioned above, this book teaches children to achieve emotional intelligence by identifying and discussing emotions.
Give these books a try and see if your child can further develop their interest in STEM fields. However, don’t limit yourself to just these five books. Look for more fun and engaging books, as well as activities, that your child can get their hands on!
Have you ever thought of enrolling your child in an enrichment programme? Our Young Engineers programme encourages children to explore their creativity and discover their interests through play-based learning.
For more information about our enrichment programme, get in touch with us now!