As we encounter feelings of “discomfort” or “fear” about a subject, topic, or activity, actively work to identify the cause of these feelings. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of practicing an activity or studying a topic to ensure you’re well prepared to share it with others.

As with anything new we try, failure is always possible. Don’t be discouraged when things don’t go exactly as planned. In fact, acknowledge and embrace failure, using it as a learning opportunity for yourself and those around you. 

When it comes to introducing STEM to families, less is more. Think about the use of words that may be unfamiliar to participants or that may not relay a clear expectation of what families/caregivers will be asked to engage in during an event. “Join Us to Learn to Code”, might sound like a great time to some, but others unfamiliar with the concept of coding may avoid participating for fear of embarrassment. For example, fun, non-intimidating language for an activity that introduces coding/sequencing to others is the “Code a Peanut Butter and Jelly” activity.

Incorporate small elements of STEM mindset into an existing activity. Critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity are all ways we can help ourselves, our students, and our families become more comfortable with STEM. For example, this Paper Airplane Challenge is a great introductory activity for students grades K-6, that can be done with indoors or out with minimal materials.