The 6 Best Online STEM Classes for Kids

The best online STEM classes for kids can help jumpstart a passion for the sciences, technology, engineering, and math.

Many online classes for kids are interactive and engaging, making learning fun and exciting.

From coding to robotics to engineering, there’s something for every age group.

Even if your child doesn’t grow up to pursue a career in a STEM field, there are still plenty of reasons that online STEM classes are important.

STEM education equips children with essential problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

These subjects encourage logical reasoning, analysis, and the ability to approach complex challenges with a systematic mindset. In a rapidly changing world, these skills are invaluable for navigating and adapting to new situations.

STEM education also fosters creativity and innovation.

Through hands-on experiments, projects, and design challenges, children are encouraged to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and develop innovative solutions.

Of course, STEM subjects play a significant role in preparing children for the future workforce. The world is increasingly driven by technology and innovation, and proficiency in STEM fields opens up a wide range of career opportunities.By learning STEM from an early age, children develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in these fields and contribute to the advancement of society as a whole.

We’ve put together an in-depth guide to the very best online STEM classes for kids, ranking them based on key factors like age-appropriateness, quality of curriculum, teacher credentials, price, and more.

Whether you’re looking for resources to add to your homeschool STEM curriculum or just for extra activities to supplement your kids’ learning, this guide has something for everyone.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing STEM Classes for Kids

While our guide below will help you find great online STEM courses for your kids, there are some important things you need to consider to find the classes that are the best fit for your little ones.

• Age-Appropriateness: Parents should look for online STEM classes that are tailored to their child’s age and developmental stage. Different programs may be designed for specific age ranges, ensuring that the content, activities, and teaching methods align with their child’s abilities and interests. Age-appropriate classes help children engage with the material effectively and promote their enthusiasm for STEM subjects.
• Quality of Curriculum: It is crucial to assess the quality of the curriculum offered by online STEM programs. Parents should review the course materials, syllabi, and learning objectives to ensure they align with recognized educational standards. A well-structured curriculum will cover key concepts, offer progressive learning opportunities, and provide ample opportunities for hands-on exploration and experimentation.
• Teaching Style and Approach: Parents should consider the teaching style employed in online STEM classes. Some children may thrive in a more hands-on, project-based learning environment, while others may prefer a more structured and guided approach. Understanding their child’s preferred learning style can help parents select a program that best suits their needs. Additionally, exploring sample lessons or attending trial sessions can give parents a sense of the teaching style and whether it aligns with their child’s learning preferences.
• Teacher Credentials and Expertise: Parents should research the qualifications and expertise of the instructors or teachers delivering the online STEM classes. Look for programs that have experienced educators or industry professionals who can effectively communicate complex concepts and provide guidance. Teachers with relevant degrees, certifications, and practical experience in STEM fields can significantly enhance the learning experience for children.
• Price and Value: Consider the cost of the online STEM classes and the value they provide. While affordability is important, it’s equally essential to assess the quality of the program and the resources offered. Some programs may offer additional benefits such as access to supplemental materials, mentorship opportunities, or certification options. Parents should weigh the overall value of the program against its price to make an informed decision.

Our Picks for the Best Online Coding Classes for Kids

1. Let’s Learn STEM: How Things Work (Outschool)

Age Range

6-10 years old

Price

$14/week

Duration

Meets weekly for 35 minutes

Format

Live online class

Why It’s Worth Trying

This exciting ongoing course offers young learners the chance to explore a range of fascinating science subjects in a fun and interactive way.

With a variety of teaching methods and activities designed to engage both the hands-on and minds-on learner, each class promises to be a unique and meaningful learning experience.

From conducting experiments to participating in Q&A sessions, quizzes, games, worksheets, and videos, there is a wealth of material that caters to all learning styles.

This course encourages learners to observe, explore, question, and share their newfound knowledge on each topic.

Click here to learn more.

2. Let’s Learn STEM: The Inventor’s Academy (Outschool)

Age Range

10-14 years old

Price

$14/week

Duration

Meets weekly for 35 minutes

Format

Live online class

Why It’s Worth Trying

Get ready to channel your inner inventor! This weekly online kids STEM course is specifically designed to spark creativity as students dive into the world of STEAM, design, architecture, and science.

Every week, learners will be given an exciting problem or scenario to solve, and it’s up to them to come up with a solution that is both innovative and practical.

With new projects each week, your kid will never run out of fun challenges to tackle and skills to develop.

Click here to learn more.

3. STEM Lego Design Club (Outschool)

Age Range

5-8 years old

Price

$8/week

Duration

Meets weekly for 30 minutes

Format

Live online class

Why It’s Worth Trying

STEM education is critical for young learners today, and this incredible class aims to introduce them to the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun and interactive way.

With a new, exciting theme every week, students will be challenged to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to engineer their own unique creations.

The class starts with a discussion of the theme and some inspiring photos, followed by 20-25 minutes of hands-on building time.

At the end of class, students are invited to share their amazing creations with their peers (although this is not mandatory).

With a maximum of 7 students per class, everyone is guaranteed a chance to contribute and connect with one another.

Click here to learn more.

4. Kids Coding – Introduction to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript! (Udemy)

Age Range

6+ years old

Price

$109.99

Duration

7 hours (200+ lessons)

Format

Self-paced, on-demand video lessons

Why It’s Worth Trying

In today’s world, coding knowledge is becoming more and more crucial for securing a successful future. It’s no surprise that parents are looking for ways to introduce their children to the world of computer programming as early as possible.

This is where this kids’ STEM course comes in.

Designed to cater to the unique learning needs of children, this course is the perfect tool for teaching coding to both young and preteen kids.

The course material is presented in a fun and engaging way, with a variety of animated lectures, screencasts, and tests.

Kids will love the interactive nature of the course, which will keep them on their toes and engaged from start to finish.

And with the early introduction of key concepts and vocabulary, young learners will be coding in no time!

Click here to learn more.

5. Scratch Programming – Coding for Kids (Skillshare)

Age Range

7+ years old

Price

Skillshare membership is around $165 per year. You can try Skillshare free for 30 days.

Duration

5+ hours (58 lessons)

Format

Self-paced, on-demand video lessons

Why It’s Worth Trying

Have you ever considered introducing your child to coding, but didn’t know where to start?

Learning how to code may seem overwhelming, especially for kids with no prior experience. However, there’s no need to worry anymore.

This Scratch course is designed to help kids learn the basics while having fun at the same time.

Through hands-on class projects, kids can learn everything they need to know about coding on Scratch. Plus, they can receive feedback from the instructor and check out other students’ projects.

With clear and easy-to-follow video lessons, your child will be able to keep up and learn at their own pace. Don’t let coding be intimidating—give your kids a head start with this enjoyable and accessible coding course for kids.

Click here to learn more.

6. STEM in the Real World: Engineering Challenges to Solve World Problems (Outschool)

Age Range

8-12 years old

Price

$72 for 6 classes

Duration

6 weeks, meets once a week for 55 minutes

Format

Live online class

Why It’s Worth Trying

Engineering is an essential component of our society, and in this class, students will gain the skills and knowledge to address some of the world’s most pressing issues.

The world is constantly facing new challenges, and this course will explore the creative solutions that engineers can provide. Students will learn how to apply the Engineering Design Process to develop their own unique solutions to the problems they investigate.

From designing an airdrop system to get crucial supplies to areas affected by climate events to building water filtration devices to clean polluted water, students will be encouraged to think independently and creatively as they tackle real-world problems.

Through collaboration and brainstorming, the class will be a space for students to build upon each other’s ideas and develop a deeper understanding of engineering and its impact on society.

Click here to learn more.

Tips for Parents to Enhance Their Child’s STEM Journey

The importance of STEM education can’t be overstated. As a parent, there are some steps you can take to encourage your kids as they embark on their STEM journey.

• Foster curiosity: Kids are naturally inquisitive, and parents should foster this curiosity by encouraging them to explore the world around them. Encourage your child to ask questions, explore, and be curious about the world around them. Emphasize the importance of seeking answers and understanding how things work.
• Provide hands-on experiences: Engage your child in hands-on STEM activities such as exploding STEM experiments, building projects, coding games, or conducting simple investigations. These experiences promote active learning and critical thinking.
• Support problem-solving: Encourage your child to tackle challenges independently and develop problem-solving skills. Let them brainstorm solutions, try different approaches, and learn from failures.
• Offer STEM-related resources: Provide access to books, magazines, online resources, and educational apps that focus on STEM topics. These resources can inspire and expand your child’s knowledge beyond the classroom.
• Connect STEM to real-life applications: Help your child understand how STEM concepts relate to the real world. Discuss how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics impact everyday life, industries, and global challenges.
• Encourage collaboration: Encourage your child to work on STEM projects with peers, siblings, or join STEM-related clubs or activities. Collaboration fosters teamwork, communication, and the exchange of ideas. Check out these team-building STEM activities for inspiration.
• Visit STEM-related events and museums: Attend science fairs, STEM exhibitions, museums, or planetariums. These experiences provide exposure to exciting STEM discoveries and can inspire your child’s interest in these fields.
• Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements in STEM. Recognize their effort, progress, and accomplishments to motivate them to continue their STEM journey.

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Final Thoughts

Online STEM classes for kids can be an invaluable resource for parents looking to introduce their children to topics like science, coding, engineering, and robotics.

With so many options available, you can find a course that fits your child’s interests and age level.

These courses provide an engaging way for kids to learn STEM concepts in a fun and interactive environment.

Plus, they give parents the peace of mind that their kids are learning important skills to prepare them for the world of the future.

Do you have any questions or comments about our guide to the best online STEM classes for kids? Make sure to let us know what you think by leaving a comment down below!