STEM for Non-STEM Moms: You Don’t Have to Be the Expert

STEM doesn’t require expertise—just curiosity and a willingness to learn alongside your kids. When children are asking questions, experimenting, and problem-solving, meaningful STEM learning is already happening.

If the word STEM makes you quietly panic a little, you’re not alone.

Many homeschool moms assume STEM requires advanced math skills, a science degree, or the ability to explain things perfectly on the spot. And when they don’t feel qualified, they worry they’re letting their kids down.

Here’s the truth:
STEM was never meant to depend on you having all the answers.

What STEM Actually Means (Hint: It’s Not Mastery)

STEM is about:

Asking good questions
Solving problems
Trying, failing, and trying again
Learning how to learn

You don’t need to lecture. You need to model curiosity.

When you say, “I don’t know—let’s figure it out,” you’re doing STEM right.

Why Being a Non-Expert Is an Advantage

Non-STEM moms often do STEM better than they realize.

You:

Learn alongside your kids
Normalize not knowing everything
Encourage persistence instead of perfection
Focus on understanding, not memorization

That’s exactly how real scientists, engineers, and innovators work.

What Counts as STEM (Even If It Doesn’t Look Fancy)

STEM doesn’t require kits or lab coats.

It can look like:

Cooking and adjusting recipes
Building, repairing, or troubleshooting at home
Budgeting, planning, and problem-solving
Watching documentaries and asking “why”
Simple experiments using everyday materials

If your child is thinking, testing, and adjusting, it counts.

How to Facilitate STEM Without Teaching It

Try this simple framework:

Present a problem (or let your child find one)
Ask open-ended questions
Let them experiment
Talk about what worked and what didn’t

Your role is guide, not expert.

The Goal Isn’t STEM Perfection

The goal is confidence.

Confidence to try.
Confidence to fail.
Confidence to learn.

And the good news?
You don’t need to be a STEM mom to raise STEM-capable kids.

You just need to stay curious—and keep going.

Easy STEM Activities You Can Do Without Being the Expert

If you’re looking for simple, low-pressure ways to add STEM into your homeschool, these hands-on activities make it easy to get started—no science background required:

How to Make Crystal Hearts
A fun introduction to crystal formation that blends chemistry with creativity using everyday supplies.
https://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/heart-crystals/
25 Must-Try Science Experiments
A ready-made list of kid-friendly experiments that encourage curiosity, observation, and problem-solving.
https://intheplayroom.co.uk/science-experiments-kids-2/
No Snow? No Problem. Make Your Own!
This “snowstorm in a jar” activity is a simple way to explore weather and scientific reactions—perfect for hands-on learners.
https://onlypassionatecuriosity.com/snowstorm-in-a-jar-activity/
Density Lesson Plan for Elementary Kids (Freebie Included)
A clear, approachable lesson that explains density with visual examples and minimal prep.
https://blessedhomeschool.com/density-lesson-plan/

STEM doesn’t have to be complicated. When kids are experimenting, observing, and asking questions, real learning is already happening.

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Lisa Nehring

Author, Publisher, Curriculum Developer at True North Homeschool Academy

Lisa Nehring has been married for over 30 years, has five children, 2 graduate degrees and a black belt in homeschooling. She has homeschooled since 1991 and wrote a Master’s Thesis on Why Parent’s Homeschool, the Literature Review being,A History of Education in America.

Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.

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