Engineering Materials for Kids

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - February 7th, 2014

Regardless of your child’s age, it’s never too early to get them interested and engaged in the exciting world of engineering. Engineering materials for kids are easy to find. Many of them are in your home already! Here, we’ll explore the important of interesting young children in engineering as well as provide a like to some fun and engaging projects.

Why Engineering?

Today’s increasingly competitive workplace has long been reflected in the world of academics. This is becoming truer each day as children are starting school earlier, being faced with more standardized testing and competition and vying for spots in advanced-placement classes.

For several years, engineering has consistently been at the top of lists identifying the best jobs in the country and the world. There is a vast array of potential specialties within the engineering umbrella, ranging from the extremely technical to the very hands-on and natural. Engineers work in the field, in offices and in labs, among other settings. Engineering jobs are some of the most secure, most satisfying and most highly-paid careers to which a student can aspire.

While no child should be forced into a career path, encouraging them to explore engineering will give them a chance to determine if it’s something in which they are interested. You can find plenty of fun and easy kids’ engineering projects at http://pbskids.org/designsquad/pdf/parentseducators/DS_Act_Guide_complete.pdf. Engineering materials for kids vary by project, but most of them are simple household items or items which can be purchased very inexpensively.

Allowing your child to explore engineering will give them an edge in school, as this career field is much less likely to be explored by children than more traditional occupations. It’s also less likely to be explored in a school setting, with the exception of certain career-focused advanced-placement courses and schools. Whether or not your child develops an interest in engineering which will carry them through to a career, they’ll have fun and build valuable skills in the process!