How to encourage kids to get into building electronics
Exposing kids to the world of electronics and computing could ignite a passion for STEM subjects. Read on for four steps to helping them learn about electrical engineering.
For young adults aiming towards a lucrative career, subjects in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths field are amongst the best to study. But studying these subjects at college or university demands a solid foundational understanding.
Four steps to helping children learn about electrical engineering
Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, getting an early idea of a child’s interests and skillset is the best way to guide them to success. And when it comes to technology and engineering, it’s always worth knowing some of the best routes to sparking a passion for electronical engineering.
Here are four steps to helping them learn about electrical engineering.
1) Draw diagrams together
Students taking their GCSE exams will be all too familiar with a basic circuit diagram. Introducing this challenge sooner rather than later prevents the topic from only being associated with the school curriculum – so could be more likely to be taken on as a hobby.
Before helping them create their own program boards or circuitry templates, either through toys or software, it’s important to show them how basic circuits work. This is easy to achieve through diagrams, and making use of a free circuit simulator could be a game-changer for those new to electronics.
2) Experiment with real-world applications
Giving children something that they can relate to, without any pressure or boundaries, can help them gain a deeper understanding. When it comes to electronics and circuitry, it’s crucial to know some of the real-world uses before embarking on further study.
Hobby kits make an excellent starting point. When you can explain concepts like Ohm’s law – for example, as you help the child to decide which resistor to use for their LED circuit – you can keep the learning process fun and fresh.
3) Gain hands-on experience
Giving children the opportunity to create their own circuits can help build their confidence and knowledge. Start with something simple for the best results: if you dive in at the deep end, it’s easy for children to feel overwhelmed or disappointed with their first efforts.
A quick project idea could involve solderless irons and boards that can easily be taken apart and built again. This type of project easily allows for trial and error, a learning process that helps children to become more resilient and adopt a growth mindset.
4) Check out content online
Lastly, if your child already has a handle on some of the physical aspects of electronics, why not take some time to explore some more complex concepts? As they continue to change and modify the circuits they build, children might start to feel curious about a problem they’ve experienced during the project.
Listening to educational channels on YouTube or finding informative guides online could help them to unlock that piece of knowledge they need to move onto the next step. This craving for new information and satisfying resolutions will drive any enthusiastic young engineer towards the start of their career journey.
