Raising future innovators: how parents can cultivate a passion for STEM

The world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is crying out for talent and offers many well-paid job opportunities too. Yet, despite this sector’s rich opportunities, there are still critical skills gaps across science specialisms.

So, what can you do to get your young person curious about science AND make it accessible and fun? Start laying the foundations from a young age and it might just bridge the gap as they progress through school.

Encourage curiosity

Science usually starts with a question. How does that work? Why did that happen? What can I do to change it or make it better? By stopping to question something and having a conversation about it, you might just spark curiosity.

Maybe something on the news could start a debate - like what happens to flights when a volcano erupts on the other side of the planet. Or, chatting about the real-life impact of global warming and rainfall, like soggy football pitches and cancelled match fixtures.

Encourage a young person’s desire to question the world and celebrate when they do. Nurturing a teenager's reasoning and cognitive skills could help with academic progress, given that innovation and problem-solving are natural stepping stones after curiosity.

Challenge perceptions

Another tactic is to push back, and challenge thought processes. But what if…? Then why doesn’t…? Having a mindset of continuous learning and critical thinking helps prepare for future challenges in any workplace.

Delving deeper into a topic or problem is an essential part of science, as is analysing, evaluating, and articulating thoughts. Young people should realise that challenges always present opportunities, and lateral thinking is crucial for change and innovation.

Draw on examples of famous figures from history and how they thought outside the box – from Steve Jobs and Bill Gates revolutionising technology to Marie Curie’s work transforming today's cancer treatments.

Share interests

Showing your own passion for science and technology might encourage your teen to be interested as well. Whether you’re a steam-train enthusiast or grow your own vegetables, explain why you love doing what you do.

It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you share the experience: visit your local museum, join a club together, go to family STEM-related activities, discuss exciting science news, watch a documentary or even find time for The Royal Institution’s Christmas lectures on TV – you’re never too old!

Discuss what you’ve seen or done and why it’s so important to put it in context. Science impacts everyone, so talking about the global effects of science and technology helps to show why it’s a vital profession and a worthwhile career.

Get them involved

The best way to learn is by doing, so get your teenager involved in hands-on activities wherever possible. Whether it’s coding for a video game, planting seeds, baking a cake, changing a plug fuse, mending a sibling’s toy, or even taking recycling to the rubbish tip – all these activities involve scientific concepts.

Not only do practical tasks keep them busy and teach science by stealth, but they also develop a mindset of experimentation and learning through trial and error. Each challenge is a process of becoming more skilled while facing adversity and gaining resilience.

Igniting a passion in STEM could lead to extra-curricular pursuits and new friends too. From volunteering at a local environmental group to playing chess or getting involved in a science club – the choices are endless, and they might just benefit your community too.

Embrace technology

Even if your knowledge is limited, modelling a passion for technology is really important. Today, digital innovation and technology go hand-in-hand with the world of science and engineering, so turning your back on progress isn’t an option.

Technology can speed up processes, save money, enhance quality, and even boost sustainable practices in industry. Check out these career videos by stem.org.uk, which show just some of the diverse jobs available across science, many of which rely on new technologies to function.

With your help, more teenagers can start their own journey into STEM. Who knows… they might shape the next generation after that!