Boosting STEM Skills through Outdoor Holiday Programmes in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast

Written By Cato Sibthorpe

Why STEM belongs outdoors

Nature provides a rich laboratory for science, technology, engineering and maths. Studies show that outdoor learning improves cognitive function and encourages creative thinking. When children experiment with real world materials they develop problem solving skills and resilience.

Hands on STEM activities

  • Navigation and mapping: Teach children to read topographic maps and use a compass or simple GPS unit on trails. Discuss how cartographers measure elevation and distance.

  • Building and engineering: Challenge your child to design and build a small bridge or catapult using branches, rope and recycled materials. Discuss concepts such as tension, compression and trajectory.

  • Environmental science: Conduct water quality testing in creeks using simple kits to measure pH and turbidity. Discuss what these readings mean for local wildlife.

  • Astronomy nights: On clear evenings, head away from city lights to observe constellations. Use apps to identify stars and discuss the physics of our universe.

Integrating STEM with other subjects

Encourage children to record their findings in a science notebook, calculate distances walked using maths and create drawings of insects or plants. Connecting STEM to art and language builds a holistic understanding. Outdoor programmes that promote experimentation help children develop persistence and a growth mindset.

To find out more about our adventure programmes designed for homeschool children, follow the links below:

Cato Sibthorpe https://embodimentprogram.mykajabi.com
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Why Holiday Programmes Are Essential for Homeschoolers: Social Skills and Growth