Does Your Child Like Math And Science?

If your child enjoys math or science you are in luck, math and science can lead to high paying careers in engineering, finance, health, and many other dynamic industries. Excelling in these subjects opens up many career prospects for learners. Mathematical and scientific skills are highly valuable to employers and job opportunities in these disciplines are among the fastest growing. By preparing your children for careers in the sciences from an early age, they can enjoy job security, growth and a comfortable living in the future.

Why Math and Science Are Important to Your Kids

Science and mathematics are pivotal to the development of cognitive skills. These school subjects teach your children problem solving, reasoning skills and abstract thinking. Because of this, they equip learners with the mental competency to deal with everyday and future work-related situations. In other words, it is highly advisable that parents find ways to grow their kids’ interest in the subjects, regardless of the path they want to pursue after high school.

Achieving good grades in these subjects is also important for college admission. With many degrees offered at tertiary institutions, these subjects form the foundation of disciplines. Engineering courses, for instance, require students to have scientific and mathematical aptitude. By encouraging your kids to perform better at these subjects, they will be in a great position to obtain a quality education and to excel in their chosen degrees.

College Degrees That Require Math and Science

Engineering

Every sub-discipline of engineering involves applying scientific and mathematical theory and principles to the creation, construction and management of solutions. Solutions are technological in nature and span across all industries. The main types of disciplines are civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, mining, petroleum and aerospace engineering.

Engineering is an incredibly diverse field. Civil engineers design and supervise large construction projects, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS). Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems. These problems involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production. Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.

Finance

Accountants, investment bankers, auditors, brokers and other professionals in the Finance industry all have mathematics as their knowledge base. Finance requires numerical skills which can be developed as early as pre-school. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently. Cost estimators collect and analyze data to estimate the time, money, resources, and labor required for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services. Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. Insurance underwriters decide whether to provide insurance and under what terms. Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain—the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer.

Computers and Information Technology

Computer and information research scientists invent and design new technology and find new uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other uses. Computer programmers write code to create software programs. Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. Database administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s computer networks and software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs.

Health

Health practitioners all take extensive courses in physics and chemistry to qualify for their respective professions. Students with a background in Science and Mathematics stand a better chance of working in this industry. See: 15 Great Health Care careers.

Entertainment and Visual Arts

Sound engineers, graphic designers and set designers are just a few professionals in the entertainment industry that require subjects like algebra, geometry and computer skills to be proficient at their occupations.

The Value of Math/Science Related Degrees

Learners with high talent and skill in math and science are in demand by employers. While the demand for other skill sets has declined due to the economic climate, the need for candidates with skills in these subjects is increasing. Candidates who hold math/science related qualifications are usually preferred by hiring companies and enjoy a higher entry-level salary.

How to Encourage Your Kids to Focus on Science and Mathematics

Some kids display natural interest in mathematics and the sciences, and others might need encouragement from parents. In order to nurture your children’s interest, it is important to make learning these subjects fun. Find hobbies that interest them and link them to their future professions. This could be building model planes and rockets, playing with a chemistry set, or encourage them with a build your own Electronics Kit.

The aim is to get kids excited about what they are learning at school. Encouraging your children to pursue math and science degrees can set them up for a successful future. Regardless of which discipline they want to pursue, having mathematical and scientific skills opens up a world of career opportunities. Exposure to their future occupations paints a clearer picture of the significance of these subjects and can motivate your kids to achieve exceptional grades.