Category: Education

Encouraging your child’s curiosity in science, technology, engineering, arts and math — referred to commonly as STEAM — nurtures curiosity, creative thinking and essential skills. These subjects lead children to pursue a higher education and a career they love, as well as challenging and fun extracurriculars.

Here are some ways you can foster a love of STEAM with your child.

1. Model Positive Attitudes Toward STEAM Subjects

Express genuine enthusiasm for math, science and design in your own life. Children naturally adopt attitudes they observe in their parents and caregivers, especially young ones, as they are highly impressionable and have innate curiosity.

Watch your language carefully — avoid phrases like “I was never good at math” or “Science wasn’t my thing.” These seemingly innocent comments influence your child’s beliefs about their abilities.

You can also point out and discuss STEAM concepts in everyday life, like the engineering behind bridges you cross, the chemistry and art in baking or the mathematics in music.

2. Integrate STEAM Into Daily Activities

Bring attention to the fact that STEAM impacts your child’s everyday life. Here are some activities that help bring the concept home:

• Cook together using precise measurements to demonstrate fractions and chemical reactions.

• Plant a garden and document growth patterns, weather effects and the science of plant development.

• During building projects, discuss concepts like balance, symmetry and structural integrity.

• When shopping, calculate discounts, compare unit prices or estimate the total cost before checkout.

• Look for patterns in nature during walks, such as the symmetry in leaves, geometric shapes in crystals or the mathematics behind animal markings.

3. Explore Through Interactive Experiences

Take advantage of community resources like museums, science centers and planetariums that make learning tangible and exciting. You may find family-friendly STEAM events offered by local schools, libraries and community centers.

Attend maker fairs, robotics competitions or science festivals together to witness STEAM in action and connect with the broader community.

Also, consider interactive learning adventures that blend education with exploration. Check out a local science museum or interactive experience, such as the following:

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: This museum in D.C. is home to the largest natural history collection in the world.

• Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: Located in Pennsylvania’s capital, the Whitaker Center demonstrates how science and art go hand in hand through educational documentaries and interactive science exhibits for kids.

• California Science Center: Exhibits range from ecosystems to air and space and more, so your kids can explore different interests.

Look for local family-centric programs that offer impactful educational events like scavenger hunts that combine puzzle solving, adventure challenges and informative self-guided tours to introduce STEAM concepts through hands-on discovery.

4. Encourage Hands-On Experimentation

Create a designated space with simple materials, like baking soda and vinegar, magnets, building blocks, art supplies and recycled materials, to encourage mess-friendly STEAM experimentation. Provide open-ended toys and kits that encourage building, designing and problem-solving without prescribed outcomes.

Allow time for unstructured tinkering. Consider taking apart old electronics, building contraptions from recycled items around the home and neighborhood, or designing solutions to household problems.

You can also support participation in coding clubs, science competitions or engineering challenges that extend learning beyond school hours.

5. Foster Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

During whatever activity your child is engaged in, ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking. Use design thinking exercises to encourage critical thought. This includes identifying needs around your home, brainstorming solutions, coming up with simple prototype ideas and testing them.

Play strategy games and puzzles that develop logical reasoning, spatial awareness and pattern recognition. Even very young children can begin developing STEAM mindsets through play that involves sorting objects by color or shape, building with blocks or exploring cause and effect through simple experiments with water or sand.

Be sure to discuss real-world problems at an age-appropriate level and explore how STEAM innovations might address them. Encourage your child to question assumptions and seek evidence before drawing conclusions — key habits in scientific thinking.

Most importantly, resist the urge to intervene immediately every time your child faces difficulties. Allowing them to work through challenges helps them get better at problem-solving, which helps them grow their knowledge base, develop confidence, a sense of accomplishment and resilience.

6. Celebrate Effort and Growth

One of the best ways to promote STEAM is to encourage and celebrate your child’s efforts, even if they make mistakes along the way. This leads to skill development and an appreciation of their abilities.

• Praise specific efforts rather than innate ability. Say, “You worked so hard to figure out that math problem!” instead of “You’re so smart!”

• Create a family culture that values persistence through challenges rather than immediate success.

• Proudly display STEAM projects and accomplishments in your home, regardless of their perfection. Yes, even the losses.

• Share stories of famous innovators who faced multiple failures before achieving breakthroughs.

• Document your child’s growth over time in STEAM areas, helping them see their own progress and development.

• In the same regard, also celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. This demonstrates that struggle is a normal part of the learning process in STEAM fields. Kids with growth mindsets perform better than rigid-minded

Early STEAM Exposure Matters

Early experiences with STEAM concepts build confidence and capability that extend throughout education. More importantly, these activities develop transferable skills like creative problem-solving, analytical thinking and collaboration that will serve them throughout life, regardless of their eventual career paths. Your enthusiasm and support create the foundation upon which your child’s interest in STEAM flourishes.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

You don’t have to scroll far to find opinions about MyIQ.com. Trustpilot, Reviews.io, ProductReview, HelloPeter, and other verified review platforms all have something to say. In a space crowded with IQ quizzes and personality clickbait, MyIQ has managed to stand out – but not just because of its test.

It’s the experience after the score that gets people talking. We’ve gathered insights from real MyIQ reviews in 2025 – from glowing endorsements to quiet skepticism. What emerges is a picture more complicated than five-star ratings can capture. These reviews offer a glimpse into what people actually do with the product once the test is over.

The score isn’t the whole story

One of the most common themes in MyIQ reviews is that the number itself is only the beginning. One verified reviewer noted: “I got a 124 and for a second I felt smart. Then I realized the report was actually more helpful than the number. It said I have strong pattern recognition and weak verbal short-term memory, which tracks.”

This is the kind of feedback that shows up again and again. Users mention that they came for the IQ test – but stayed because the report offered something more personal. It’s not just about being told you’re smart or average. It’s about being told how you think.

Others highlight how the cognitive breakdown made them reconsider how they study, work, or even manage time. One user wrote, “I always thought I had a memory problem. Turns out I’m just more visual than verbal. That shift alone helped me change how I plan my day.” These kinds of responses show that the real value often lies not in the label, but in the insight.

Interface and UX: not just functional, but purposeful

Users consistently highlight the design of the platform as a reason they trust the result. “It doesn’t feel scammy,” wrote one Trustpilot reviewer. “The UI is clean, and the results are presented in a way that makes sense. I wasn’t confused or disappointed, which I can’t say for most of these types of sites.”

The layout, pacing, and tone of the platform matter more than they’re often given credit for. Reviews praise the visual breakdown of strengths, the color-coded scores, and the fact that it’s easy to navigate whether you’re on desktop or mobile.

Some reviews also call out the subtle gamification elements – the ability to unlock quizzes and logic puzzles, for example – as a reason they stayed longer. “It felt like the platform wanted me to learn something,” one review noted. “Not just show off a number.”

More than a score: what keeps users coming back

Several reviews point out that they didn’t expect to use the platform more than once – but did. One user wrote: “I signed up just to get my score, figured I’d cancel. Then I found myself doing the logic puzzles every day. They’re short, addictive, and way better than brain game apps I’ve tried.”

Another wrote: “I took the personality test and communication profile and found that they lined up more with how I’ve been feeling at work than what HR ever told me.”

That’s the throughline: MyIQ isn’t just a diagnostic tool – it’s a low-pressure ecosystem for self-reflection. And in 2025, when burnout, attention fatigue, and algorithmic content are everywhere, the simplicity is refreshing.

There’s also mention of progress tracking. After a few sessions, users begin to see small shifts – improved reaction time, faster pattern recognition, better memory test results. While these aren’t presented as scientific benchmarks, they’re enough to keep users engaged. In a world obsessed with fast feedback, that quiet continuity is rare.

Criticism: not everyone wants a subscription

The most common critique in MyIQ.com reviews is the subscription model. Some users wish the test were offered as a one-time purchase, especially those who came for the score alone.

“I didn’t want a weekly plan,” one reviewer wrote. “But to be fair, they told me up front and canceling was easy. I just think it should be a single fee.”

There’s no major controversy here – but it’s a friction point for certain users. That said, the positive reviews often come from those who explored beyond the IQ test. It’s clear that the value of the subscription only becomes obvious once you see what it includes.

Other users express confusion over why the platform isn’t fully free, given the abundance of free tests online. But most of those same reviews also note that MyIQ’s design, explanations, and training tools feel noticeably more polished. “I’ve done the free IQ sites,” one reviewer wrote. “They’re mostly trash. MyIQ felt like someone actually thought about the user experience.”

Customer support: quiet but responsive

MyIQ doesn’t rely on flashy help desks, but it does offer something more useful: a dedicated cancellation bot that allows users to end their subscription at any time without contacting support. All you need is your email and confirmation code – no waiting, no friction. One HelloPeter reviewer described being refunded without argument after they accidentally renewed their subscription. Others said their questions were answered quickly and clearly – especially when they reached out after struggling with the cancellation bot. While most users manage fine on their own, support is available and responsive when needed.

That may seem like a small thing, but in a market where many test platforms go silent once they have your payment, it matters. A functioning support system isn’t just about solving problems – it’s about signaling respect.

What people are saying in 2025, summarized

Here’s the general breakdown of themes in MyIQ reviews this year:

• Common questions users raise – Many reviews include recurring themes beyond ratings: Can I retake the test? Can my score improve over time? Is there a way to share my report professionally? While MyIQ doesn’t promise clinical-level precision, it does offer structured answers to these real questions inside its interface. There’s even a dedicated FAQ section where users can clarify doubts about results, scoring methods, and test timing.

• Impact outside the app – Several users report applying what they learned about themselves beyond the screen. One reviewer shared that learning about their high spatial awareness led them to revisit creative projects they’d dropped years ago. Others noted that understanding their cognitive blind spots helped them communicate more effectively at work or in relationships.

• Clear, honest onboarding – Users appreciate that pricing and trial terms are spelled out

• Visually polished platform – The interface builds trust from the first screen

• Insightful reports – Beyond IQ, users value the deeper breakdowns

• Repeat use – Many users stay for the puzzles, not the number

• Frustration with subscriptions – Mostly from users who expected a one-time test

• Reliable support – Quietly efficient, not flashy but helpful

• Integrated tools – Extra features like training quizzes and puzzles keep users engaged

• Value beyond numbers – Users feel like they’ve gained self-awareness, not just a score

In 2025, people don’t need another dopamine test. They need tools that feel like they were designed for actual human reflection. MyIQ doesn’t pretend to be a psychological authority – but it does what many platforms won’t: it respects your time, presents real information clearly, and gives you something to work with.

Whether you stay for a week or six months, that seems to be what users remember most. And in a digital world built on metrics, that kind of quiet clarity is increasingly rare – and increasingly valuable.

Giving students a hands-on introduction to science starts with a well-stocked lab. Knowing which chemicals to keep on hand in the school science lab is crucial. Cultivating an early interest in science builds knowledge and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving that students will carry into adulthood.

Why Early Science Engagement Matters

Scientific discovery is more than memorizing facts or completing worksheets. Active experiments with real chemicals transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences. Cultivating a child’s love for science fosters confidence, boosts perseverance, and can even set the stage for future careers in STEM fields.

Core Chemicals in the School Science Lab

For most elementary and middle school labs, you’ll find a handful of safe, versatile chemicals used in a wide variety of experiments. Below are the most common chemicals you’ll see in a science lab.

1. Sodium Chloride (Table Salt)

This everyday chemical is perfect for teaching about solutions, crystallization, and even simple chemical reactions. Sodium chloride is a safe and familiar chemical for young learners.

2. Distilled Water

While it might not sound exciting, distilled water is essential for school labs. It serves as a solvent and baseline for mixing, diluting acids or bases, or demonstrating concepts like evaporation and condensation.

3. Vinegar (Acetic Acid)

Vinegar is a gentle acid that’s easy for students to work with. One experiment teachers love is pairing vinegar with baking soda for exciting, fizzy reactions. It opens the door for discussions about acidity and pH without introducing caustic substances.

4. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

As we mentioned, baking soda allows for safe experimentation with acids and chemical changes. This chemical brings many classic lessons to life.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Teachers often use low-concentration hydrogen peroxide to demonstrate decomposition, oxidation, and simple reactions. With safe handling, it can also be part of biology lessons, such as testing for catalase activity in liver tissue.

6. Iodine Solution

Iodine is excellent for studying starches and highlighting the results of enzyme activity. Pre-diluted iodine solutions are safe for supervised classroom use, and they help students see chemical indicators in action.

7. Copper Sulfate

Used in small quantities and under supervision, copper sulfate creates vivid blue solutions that ignite students’ fascination with chemical reactions and crystal formation. It’s a favorite for lessons on solubility and precipitation.

8. Diluted Acids and Bases

While strong acids and bases are never appropriate for young children, teachers can use very diluted hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide solutions for pH and reaction experiments under close supervision.

Best Practices for Chemical Labeling

Proper labeling keeps labs safe and organized. Some chemical labeling best practices educators should follow include:

• Using clear, waterproof labels with the full chemical name.
• Including hazard information, even for “safe” chemicals like vinegar or salt.
• Storing labels facing outward for easy identification.
• Stating expiry dates where applicable.

Teaching these best practices helps students develop responsibility and an understanding of lab safety from the very start.

Bringing common lab chemicals into the classroom gives students real-world experiences that help them grow as thinkers and explorers. A safe, organized, and well-labeled lab environment shows young students that science is accessible, exciting, and relevant. With the basics like salt, vinegar, and iodine, educators can set the stage for a lifelong love of learning and discovery.

We live in a world where learning doesn’t stop at books and blackboards. Kids today are growing up with a screen in one hand and a crayon in the other. And while that might make some parents uneasy, the truth is, both tools can work together—if you know how to play it smart.

Getting the basics right is key. Every parent wants their child to thrive, and literacy is where it all begins. A solid preschool curriculum doesn’t just teach ABCs and 123s—it builds the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. It’s where stories come alive, and tiny hands learn to hold big ideas. But here’s the twist: that same spark can come from digital resources too. Interactive games, videos, and apps can light up a child’s imagination just as much as a storybook. The trick? Striking the perfect balance between tradition and technology.

Merging Screen Time with Storytime

You’ve probably seen it: a toddler swiping on a tablet like they’ve been doing it for years. The digital world is second nature to kids now, and instead of fighting it, the smarter move is to shape it. Think of it like this—when digital tools echo the same goals as a preschool curriculum, you get the best of both worlds. Letter-matching games? Check. Rhyming songs? Absolutely. But remember, the goal isn’t to swap out crayons for screens; it’s to let them dance together.

Still, too much of anything can backfire. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping screen time for preschoolers to about an hour a day, and only with an adult nearby. That means no handing over the tablet and walking away. Sit down. Play along. Laugh at the silly songs and cheer when they match the right letters. It’s these shared moments that make digital learning stick.

Keeping the Digital Playground Safe

Now, onto the real talk: the internet can be a wild place. Not everything out there is meant for little eyes. While you’re picking out the perfect app or video, lurking in the background are ads, pop-ups, and content that has no business showing up in a child’s feed. So, what’s the move?

Start by setting up parental controls. Simple, right? But it makes all the difference. You decide what gets through and what doesn’t. Apps designed for kids can help filter out the junk and keep the learning space clean. Don’t just stop at blocking content—teach your kids the basics of staying safe online. Even preschoolers can understand simple rules like, “Don’t click on weird stuff,” or “If something feels off, tell Mom or Dad.”

Why Offline Still Wins Hearts

Screens can light up learning, but there’s nothing like the magic of hands-on play. Whether it’s building castles with blocks or scribbling masterpieces on the living room wall, offline activities feed a child’s creativity in ways technology just can’t. So, when the tablet powers down, the fun doesn’t have to stop.

Here’s where the real power move happens: connect what they learn online with the real world. If they’re practicing letters on an app, grab some sidewalk chalk and write those same letters outside. Singing along to a counting song? Grab some toys and make it a game. It’s about creating a seamless flow between the digital and the physical, so learning feels like one big adventure.

Working Together with Teachers

This gig isn’t a solo act. Parents and teachers are a team, and when you’re both on the same page, kids win. Keep those lines open—ask about what your child’s learning, share what’s working at home, and don’t be shy about swapping ideas. Teachers often know the best apps, while parents know what keeps their kids engaged.

And hey, stay curious. Keep an eye on the latest research about child development and online safety. Sites like Common Sense Media are goldmines for figuring out what apps are actually worth your time. Because in this game, staying informed keeps you one step ahead.

Balancing a preschool curriculum with digital tools, keeping the online world safe, and making room for unplugged play isn’t easy—but it’s doable. And when you get that balance right? Your child gets the best shot at growing up smart, safe, and ready for anything.

References:

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and Young Minds. Retrieved from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20162591
• Common Sense Media. (n.d.). Age-Based Media Reviews for Families. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/