Expert shares STEM activities to keep kids engaged over winter break

Winter break offers a perfect opportunity to keep kids curious and engaged without turning learning into homework. Jim Egenrieder, director of the Virginia Tech Thinkabit Labs, shares simple ways families can build real-world skills through everyday activities.

Turn everyday moments into STEM lessons
Winter break is ideal for hands-on practice. “Whether you're exploring nature, at the hardware store, or planning a meal, involving kids in the background research builds important executive function skills,” Egenrieder said. Have them compare ratings, create budgets, or map routes to strengthen critical thinking and independence.

Egenrieder suggests that parents encourage their students to measure through baking, track day length around the winter solstice, create budgets, identify trees by their winter features, or predict fuel needs on a road trip. Even small actions, like switching clocks to 24-hour time or memorizing phrases from other languages, help boost curiosity.

Keep kids thinking without making it feel like school
Instead of assignments, Egenrieder suggests parents give kids meaningful roles. “Let them research or calculate how to make family events, trips, or meals better, cheaper, or easier. Then reward them for it,” he said.

These responsibilities make learning relevant and build confidence. “Soon they'll start doing it without asking, and it will change the rest of their life,” he said.

About Egenrieder
Jim Egenrieder is an engineering and education research faculty member and the Director of K-20 Technical Education and Workforce Development Programs at Virginia Tech. His work focuses on STEM education, workforce pathways, and hands-on learning that connects analytical thinking to daily life. Read more about him here.

Schedule an interview
To schedule an interview with Jim Egenrieder, contact Noah Frank at nafrank@vt.edu or 805-453-2556.