STEM: What is it, and Why is it Important?

Jan 12, 2024

“STEM” has become such a buzz word in recent years, but it can still be a little confusing for some parents. What exactly is STEM? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is important because it pervades every aspect of our lives: science is in everything around us; technology is constantly growing and expanding into every area of our lives; engineering encompasses not only building and innovating, but also ways to keep the earth sustainable; and mathematics is in every occupation and aspect of our lives. Studies have shown that STEM-related jobs (jobs within these fields) have increased at 24% in recent years! 

So, what does this look like in practice? Here at KCS, students are given opportunities to learn in hands-on ways. In 2nd grade, for example, students were tasked to build the tallest standing tower only using toothpicks and styrofoam packing peanuts. They were encouraged to start with a firm foundation, but were given free reign to explore, build, experiment, learn from their mistakes, and work as a team. These kinds of skills are invaluable as they continue to grow. In Middle School, the students’ end-of-the-year project was to build a water bottle rocket. They were required to engineer a bottle rocket design; mathematically determine how far they needed their rocket to go using the appropriate equations and formulas; test out their rockets and make adjustments to their design; and then market their product to be “sold” to the public. This project taught them not only how to build, test, and modify their rockets, but it also taught them some real-world skills about marketing. 

These are just some of the STEM-related projects that our KCS students work on throughout the school year. As teachers, we understand the value that STEM education gives to our students, and are always seeking ways to incorporate it into our curriculum. 


 There are ways to incorporate STEM learning at home, as well! STEM learning doesn’t need to be as complicated as doing science projects; it can be as simple as playing with toys! When you’re playing, ask questions of your child: “What can we build with these Legos?” “If I drop these two different items, which do you think will hit the ground first?” “How can we organize these different toys into groups?” “How can I help you with your work, and how can you help me?”


Another way to incorporate STEM at home is by taking more walks. As you are outside, talk about what you are observing around you. Not only can you help your child develop an interest in the nature around you, you are also teaching them to ask questions and to observe what is going on around them. You may be surprised at the things they pick up on.



Reading still remains one of the best ways for children to learn, and reading STEM-related books can help them be exposed to even more science topics and opportunities. There are even some for toddlers that teach some basics of coding! It’s never too early to start exposing your children to science and things around them. Some good books to check out include: 


  • All About Weather: A First Weather Book for Kids by Huda Harajli (2-5 year olds)
  • Just Like Rube Goldberg by Sarah Aronson (3-8 year olds)
  • Emma Ren: Robot Engineer by (8-12 year olds)
  • Everyday STEM Technology: Machines by Jenny Jacoby (9-12 year olds)



These are just some of the ways you can help your child develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning and innovating. What more could a parent ask for? If you have more questions about STEM, or are looking for more opportunities to incorporate these activities into your home, our KCS Computer teacher, Mrs. Salguero, specializes in STEM activities!

3 Strategies for Tackling Homework

By Aubrey De Jesus • 09 Apr, 2024
Thinking back to your own school days, one thing undoubtedly stands out (and not necessarily in a good way) is homework . We know that homework is not fun, especially after a long day at school, but it is very important for solidifying and reinforcing what our children are learning during their school day. Here are three strategies for tackling homework to make it more manageable (and get it done quicker!).

How to Make Prayer an Important Part of Your Family Life

By A. De Jesus • 19 Mar, 2024
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's a Book Fair! How to Make the Most of Your School’s Book Fair

By Aubrey De Jesus • 10 Feb, 2024
Many of us have fond memories of our elementary school Book Fair. From the bright, colorful displays to the anticipation of reading a newly purchased book, everything about the book fair was magical. Most children love being able to choose their own books, and the Book Fair is a safe place for them to explore and find books both familiar and new.

Helping Your Family Focus on Christ During the Christmas Season

By Aubrey De Jesus • 11 Dec, 2023
Christmas has become so commercialized, that for Christian parents it can be hard to keep the “gift-mentality” out of the season. Don’t misunderstand me; there’s nothing “wrong” with giving gifts during Christmas. Even Paul says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (1 Corinthians 9:11) When we give gifts to those around us, it is an expression of thanksgiving to God. The problem comes when gifts become the focal point of the season, especially for our children.

8 Things to Thank God for Daily

By A. DeJesus • 20 Nov, 2023
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, and Christmas soon after that, many parents renew their focus to make sure their children are being thankful for the blessings they already have (me included!). Even for adults, it’s easy to get bogged down with worries, dissatisfaction, or always wanting more, and we forget to count our blessings. While it is certainly important to be thankful on these holidays (I mean, it’s called “Thanks”giving), it’s arguably even more important to be thankful every day of the year, and to remember WHO gives us these blessings! Here are 8 things to thank God for daily in order to develop a perpetual heart of gratitude. 

5 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Math Skills

By Aubrey DeJesus • 13 Oct, 2023
1. Fortify the foundation.

5 Tips to Encourage Reading at Home

By Aubrey DeJesus • 19 Sep, 2023
Let’s be honest: reading is magical. Not only can reading develop your child’s vocabulary and stimulate their imagination, it can also make them more empathetic to those around them. Moreover, a study done by the University of Sussex showed that reading can even reduce stress by 68%! ( Importance of Reading Skills & Benefits , n.d.) What parent doesn’t want all those benefits for their child?

Biblical Worldview

10 Aug, 2023
Everyone has a worldview. It is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. Our worldview becomes the driving force behind every emotion, decision and action. The question to consider is not whether you have a worldview, but rather, is your worldview true?

Why Christian Education?

21 Jul, 2023
The Bible is very clear about the importance of parents in the lives of their children. They are to love them and to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. In a typical week, however, a large amount of a child’s time is spent in a school setting. It is paramount, then, to consider the influence school is having on a child’s life. Is their educational experience encouraging the flourishing of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being?

New Bill Expands School Choice to all Florida Families: A Christian Education is Now More Affordable Than Ever!

16 Jun, 2023
As a parent, you want to give your children the best education possible. However, it can often be challenging to find a school that meets your child's needs. Fortunately, Governor DeSantis recently signed a new bill that expands school choice to all Florida families. This means that you now have more options when it comes to selecting a school for your child. In this post, we'll take a close look at this new bill and what it means for you as a parent.
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