The Trump administration reshapes the pursuit of science through federal cuts to research grants and the Department of Education. This will have a real impact on students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM learning.

One of these consequences is the elimination of learning opportunities such as robot camps and the advanced math courses are offered to K-12 students.

As a result, families and caregivers are more important than ever in supporting children’s learning.

Based on my research, I offer four ways to support children’s summer learning methods that are both fun and engaging but still promote their interest, confidence and skills in STEM.

1. Found the problem

Look for “problems” inside or around the house to design solutions. Engineering solutions can include brainstorming ideas, sketching, creating prototypes or first drafts, testing and improving prototypes and communicating about the invention.

For example, one family in our study created an upside-down soap dispenser for the following question: “The way it was designed” – specifically, straw – “It didn’t even reach the bottom of the container. So there was a lot of soap at the bottom.”

In order to identify problems and participate in the engineering process, households are encouraged to use common materials. Materials may include cardboard boxes, cotton balls, construction paper, pine and rock.

Our research found that when children engage in engineering environments with caregivers, parents, and siblings in a home environment, they communicate and apply scientific and mathematical concepts that are often "hidden."

For example, when building paper roller coasters for marble, children consider how height will affect the speed of marble. In mathematics, this has to do with the idea that a relationship between two variables or the idea that one thing (such as height) affects the speed of the other. In science, they are applying the concepts of kinetic energy and potential energy. The higher the starting point, the more potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which makes the marble move faster.

Furthermore, children are learning what it means to be an engineer through actions and experience. Families and caregivers play a role in supporting their creative thinking and willingness to work through challenging issues.

2. Spark curiosity

Explore a space for STEM concepts driven by its interests.

Currently, I talk about the learning powers caused by curiosity in my research with homeschool STEM professionals.

One participant said: "Once, I actually got into Ladybug, I guess it was the Asian Beatles. That was when we had hundreds of people in the house. I was like, what happened?

Researchers tagged this accidental scientific involvement, even spontaneous mathematical moment. Moments lead to deep participation and learning of STEM concepts. This may also be an opportunity to learn things with your kids.

3. Promote thinking

In my research, uncertainty about the concept of STEM may lead children to explore and consider different ideas. A concept in particular - playful uncertainty - parents and caregivers know the answer to children's uncertainty, but as if they don't.

For example, suppose your child asks, “How do we measure the distance between St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee on this map?” You might answer, “I don’t know. What do you think?” This gives the kids the opportunity to share their thoughts before parents or caregivers guide their responses.

4. Make STEM come to life

Turn ordinary moments into curious conversations.

"This recipe is for four people, but we have 11 people coming for supper. What should we do?"

In a recent interview, one participant described how much they learned from listening to financial conversations to see how to make decisions about money and how they observe how bills are processed. They are developing financial literacy and math skills.

As they pointed out: “When I was in high school, there was a good foundation for what I was doing and how I did things and played a role in society.”

Globally, individuals lack financial literacy rates, which can lead to negative results in topics such as retirement plans and debt.

Why is this important?

Research shows that even if they don’t pursue a career in STEM, talking to friends and family about the concept of STEM supports how children see themselves as learners and their subsequent successes.

My research also shows how family STEM engagement can enable children to explore STEM ideas in ways that go beyond what they usually experience in school.

In my opinion, these STEM experiences won't compete with what children learn in school - they strengthen and support it.