BY HEIDE BRANDES . PHOTOS PROVIDED. More focus is continually placed on the importance of getting kids involved in STEM to prepare them for their futures. But it isn’t always easy to get children excited about anything related to education. Thankfully, even while summer and school breaks can lead to the dreaded “brain drain,” these are also perfect times to explore new places with STEM-related activities. In fact, parents can slip STEM fun into their children’s daily lives all year long! Every day can be an opportunity to have fun while learning, and with these tips, you won’t even have to convince your children to put on their thinking caps. STEM EXPLORING OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN ACROSS OKLAHOMA Weekend adventures for the family can be a source of fun and escape anytime of year but these outings can also serve as a perfect opportunity to sneak in some science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
STEM AT THE LAKE Many families flock to the lakes of Oklahoma for all-season fishing, boating and nature. During the warmer months, playing in the water, making sandcastles or collecting pebbles are not only time-honored family activities but great opportunities to learn. EXPLORE THE WORLD OF PHYSICS ON A KAYAK.
WESTERN OKLAHOMA Head out to Foss Lake in western Oklahoma for one of the state’s sandiest beaches. Located near the town of Foss, this lake boasts more than 60 miles of shoreline, making it the largest lake in the area. Foss Lake is a perfect destination to take advantage of the summer heat but is also a delight in the spring and fall. Take a magnifying glass in your lake bag to explore the astounding beauty of sand. Made up of eroded rock, minerals and shells, sand is different everywhere. Sand on one side of the beach is unlike the sand on the opposite side. Ask your children what they see in the sand and why they think different pieces are unique.
ENJOY ONE OF OKLAHOMA’S BEST BEACHES AT FOSS LAKE.
12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2020-2021
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