Technology has transformed all facets of life today – for education, it presents abundant opportunities yet also complex challenges. Students currently need an ever-evolving set of technological competencies to thrive while facing unprecedented distractions and filters on their attention, not to mention developing analytical capabilities to navigate an information-saturated world.
Specifically, the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) forms a foundation that drives innovation in the 21st century. However, the US faces declining STEM proficiency and interest among youth at a time when STEM occupations are estimated to grow by 11% over the next 5 years compared to just 3% in non-STEM fields. Nearly 3.5 million STEM-related jobs will need filling yet there are not enough skilled graduates emerging from the STEM pipeline.
Clearly, attracting students into STEM streams needs to start early by making these fields engaging. This is especially crucial between ages 5-10 when complex cognitive abilities are developing rapidly. Fun, hands-on activities provide the best gateway to motivate a passion for problem-solving using science and math.
How STEM Apps Uniquely Cultivate Cognitive Skills
Edutainment apps deliver learning through interactive games and experiments designed to captivate kids‘ curiosity. The best STEM apps not only teach facts but more profoundly build up kids‘ executive functions and fluid cognition – abilities like working memory, processing speed and attention control that act as key conduits for complex thinking and social-emotional regulation.
Let‘s analyze how STEM apps target core cognitive abilities:
1. Working Memory
Working memory allows temporary retention of information for manipulating or applying in tasks. STEM apps overload working memory in a productive way through challenging problem configurations, forcing the brain to adapt and evolve this capacity. Spatial sequencing puzzles are particularly effective by combining visuospatial and verbal working memory.
2. Cognitive Flexibility
This executive function indicates the brain‘s agility in changing perspectives, adapting to new rules as in coding languages or redirecting attention as in open-ended engineering games. By training flexibility early, kids transition more seamlessly between modes of thinking.
3. Fluid Reasoning
Apps that require inferring patterns, classifying data and identifying relationships in abstract ways build fluid intelligence which underlies novel problem solving and quick learning. Physics and robotics simulations prove apt fluid reasoning testbeds.
4. Attention Control
Alongside fluid abilities, attention control is pivotal for persisting on cognitively taxing tasks as well as avoiding digital distractions. Engaging and escalating difficulty levels train the capacity to focus attention for elongated periods.
In fact, specific neural networks shown to be vital for STEM skills in adults like spatial processing and working memory are still actively developing between ages 5-11, making early nurturing crucial lifelong. Apps provide an opportunity to strengthen these networks with consistent practice in uniquely captivating ways not possible with static mediums.
Research by education scientists has demonstrated learning games with escalating interactive algorithmic feedback have 10-30% higher knowledge transfer and retention compared to traditional instructional materials or video games without tailored cognitive scaffolding. This benefit holds across literacy, math and science topics.
Thus, thoughtfully designed apps can drive the development of mental capacities that empower deeper learning in STEM fields – enabling kids to become agile problem solvers utilizing both fluid as well as crystalized abilities. However, optimizing their impact requires understanding how to best implement them alongside more unstructured exploratory learning.
Best Practices for Integrating STEM Apps
While stimulating apps can positively contribute to cognitive growth, they need balanced implementation:
1. Start integrating slowly
Begin at 10-15 minutes a day for young kids (4-7 years) and increment duration as their interest and ability to focus increases. Monitor fatigue.
2. Blend digital play with hands-on activities
Experiment kits, science models, board games and puzzles provide analog practice just as critical for dexterity and tangibility.
3. Align age to complexity
Kids have finite working memory and processing ability by age – match app difficulty to avoid disengagement.
4. Set time limits
Schedule app play preferably nestled between physical activities and social interludes for a modulated pace.
5. Ask probing questions
Discuss activities completed in the apps to link them with real-world applications of concepts.
By scaffolding app learning between more self-directed play, we can leverage their interactivity to complement young children‘s inquisitiveness and nurture the blossoming of higher order cognition.
Additional Resources to FosterSTEM Engagement
A few suggestions to further engage budding young minds:
1. Activity Books
The Complete STEM Activity Book by Joanne Randolph Kiester provides 300 creative off-screen projects.
2. YouTube Channels
SciShow Kids, National Geographic Kids, MIT BLOSSOMS are wonderfully produced and educational.
3. Local Programs
Museums, hackathons and meet-ups to jointly explore ideas with peers.
4. Card Games
Math and electronics-themed games like Robot Turtles and Math Fluxx offer unique problem-solving.
5. Building Toys
LEGO Mindstorms kits, electronics circuits via LittleBits, architecture sets via Zometool – tons of options!
With a combination of digitally amplified yet human-centered experiential learning, we can catalyze young minds into a lifelong appreciation of STEM – our collective future depends on it!
