Engaging All Types of Children with STEM: Discover Your Child's "STEM Tribe"
Every child approaches STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) differently, and understanding their unique "STEM tribe" can help you connect with them in ways that align with their natural interests and values.
According to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), children generally fall into one of five "tribes" based on their attitudes and backgrounds. Here’s a guide to identifying your child’s tribe and practical ways to inspire them in STEM, no matter their starting point.
We created our programme with these Tribes in mind, and in this article we detail how this means every tribe could see a different side to engineering through repair activities.
Meet the Five STEM Tribes
1. STEM Devotees
These students are naturally inclined toward STEM subjects and 87% of students in the study had a family connection working in STEM, which enhances their interest and confidence. They already see STEM careers as prestigious and fulfilling. With their strong foundation and enthusiasm, STEM Devotees thrive on challenges that deepen their understanding of real-world technology.
How to Engage Them:
Encourage STEM Devotees by offering hands-on experiences and science challenges. This could include building kits, coding projects, or even repair activities. At Team Repair, we focus on practical challenges that allow these students to see firsthand how things work, deepening their engagement through direct interaction with technology.
2. Social Artists
This tribe is often more drawn to creative fields like art, drama, or literature. Social Artists are the most socially conscious and skilled networkers of the groups, though they don’t always see engineering as a natural path. However, when presented in a creative light, such as through art or design-based engineering, STEM can become more appealing to them.
How to Engage Them:
Involve Social Artists in STEM activities that emphasise creativity, such as design and prototyping challenges. For instance, we incorporate design-focused projects that allow them to explore the design aspects of engineering. By showing how creativity and technology intersect, Social Artists can find a place for themselves within STEM.
3. Individualists
Independent and driven by a strong sense of individuality, these students prefer working on their own and are often seen as action-takers. Though they might not initially identify with STEM or have strong family connections in the field, they are entrepreneurial and curious. Individualists are especially interested in real-world applications of science and technology.
How to Engage Them:
Appeal to their independent spirit by presenting STEM as a tool for innovation. In our Team Repair program, Individualists learn how science and technology solve everyday problems, helping them see the practical relevance of STEM. This can motivate them to explore STEM skills as tools for bringing their ideas to life.
4. Enthused Unfocused
This tribe has a genuine interest in STEM but might lack the confidence or guidance to pursue it further. They’re aware of STEM’s value but feel uncertain about their place within it, often due to limited awareness of career pathways. Enthused Unfocused students benefit from encouragement and clear guidance on how STEM skills apply in the real world.
How to Engage Them:
Connect Enthused Unfocused students with role models and mentors who can provide insights into STEM careers. In the Team Repair programme, we have made sure to include engineers from different backgrounds in our videos. We are have future plans to work with corporate partners to showcase real-world STEM professionals, helping these students understand pathways and opportunities. Our goal is to build their confidence by illustrating how achievable STEM careers can be.
5. Less Engaged
Students in this group may not feel confident in their STEM abilities and often come from low-income backgrounds with minimal exposure to STEM. They might feel STEM isn’t for them, seeing it as intimidating or unrelated to their interests. However, engaging them with low-stakes, interactive activities can spark their curiosity and gradually build confidence.
How to Engage Them:
Provide Less Engaged students with simple, hands-on STEM experiences that allow them to see tangible results. Our Team Repair program introduces these students to engaging activities, like repairing everyday items, that offer clear outputs and a sense of accomplishment. This low-pressure approach can make STEM feel accessible and rewarding.
How Team Repair Supports Every STEM Tribe
At Team Repair, we recognise the diversity in how children connect with STEM. Our program is designed to engage every tribe, whether through hands-on technical challenges, creative design projects, or practical demonstrations of real-world applications. By addressing each tribe’s unique preferences and confidence levels, we make STEM accessible and exciting for all children, helping them see the potential of a future in science and technology.
With a tailored approach, STEM engagement can become more than just another school subject; it can be a pathway to creativity, innovation, and self-discovery for any child. Discover how Team Repair’s multi-faceted program can inspire your child’s STEM journey, no matter their tribe.
