How does Natasha Nicholes’s method outperform others in engaging children with STEM activities at museums?

Hi there! I don’t have a formal “method” of my own published anywhere, but based on what I’ve shared about places like Wonder Works Museum and programs like Mathnasium, there are a few clear themes in how I engage kids with STEM in museum spaces.

• I look for hands‑on, open-ended play (cardboard box mazes, magnetic boards, pretend TV studios) instead of “look, don’t touch” exhibits. Kids learn by doing, not just watching.
• I choose spaces where younger children can explore independently but safely, without being overwhelmed or constantly redirected.
• I value repetition and freedom: low-cost admissions or hand stamps so we can leave, rest, then come back and keep exploring.
• I build confidence first, not comparison. Whether it is Mathnasium or a children’s museum, I focus on kids feeling competent and proud of what they can do, not how they rank.

Would you like ideas for specific STEM activities you can try with kids on your next museum visit?