It’s that time of year again. The time when we’re thankful for cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn leaves. While you may be busy preparing for fall classroom activities, we’re here to remind you that it’s never too early to start planning for next year’s summer programs. Summer offers distinctive opportunities that are indispensable to an excellent education. According to RAND Education, “Research has shown that students’ skills and knowledge often deteriorate during the summer months. Instruction during the summer has the potential to stop these losses and propel students toward higher achievement.”[1]
With that in mind, we’ve pulled together the latest research on the benefits of a STEM or STEAM summer curriculum and its advantages for every grade level. Also, we’ve included three exemplary summer STEM programs with strong outcomes as well as strategies to overcome technology challenges. So grab that pumpkin spiced latte and get ready to make next summer count by stopping the “summer slide.”
One of the most significant advantages of offering a STEM or STEAM curriculum in out-of-school settings is that it directly affects what’s possible inside classrooms.[2] A report by the National Research Council found evidence that STEM learning in out-of-school programs has been shown to:
The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) sums up the benefits with this conclusion, “Summer offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in STEM learning in ways that mirror real-world needs, while also drawing on the practices that make these STEM learning resources & activities most successful.”[4]
From little ones to teens, all grade levels can benefit from summer enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs highlights the advantages for kids of all ages.
Technology can strengthen the activities offered by summer programs. Check out these examples of schools that incorporate technology to facilitate a hands-on, engaging, and most of all, fun experience!
Introducing technology into school curriculum isn’t always easy. In a Research-to-Results brief on incorporating technology into out-of-school time programs, Child Trends identified three strategies to overcome challenges with integrating educational technology.
Does your school or district offer summer enrichment with a STEM/STEAM curriculum? We’d love to share your stories so that other imaginative educators can gain inspiration from your successes. Drop us a message on Facebook, tweet us, or connect on LinkedIn and let us know how you stop the summer slide.
Sources
[1] Making Summer Count How Summer Programs Can Boost Children’s Learning – RAND Corporation
[2] Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings – National Research Council
[3] Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings – National Research Council
[4] STEM in the Summer: the Joy of Meaningful Learning – national summer learning associates
[5] Why You Should Consider a Stem Summer Camp – Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs
[6] Science gets hands on in summer STEM programs, but funding challenges remain – EdSource
[7] Summer Learning Loss: What We Know and What We’re Learning – nwea
[8] STEM in the Summer: the Joy of Meaningful Learning – national summer learning associates
[9] Only 6.7% of women graduate with STEM degrees – Microsoft
[10] 8 STEM Summer Programs That Are Just for High School Girls – TeenLife
[11] Incorporating Technology into Out-of-School Time Programs: Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies – Child Trends