Did you know that minorities are significantly underrepresented in STEAM fields? This gap highlights the importance of engaging all children early on. When learning feels fun and meaningful—especially through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM)—kids not only build skills but also see themselves as future innovators.
In this episode of The Latina Mom Legacy, I’m joined by Monica Encarnacion, the founder of Homeschool STEAM, to talk about how she’s empowering Latino families to embrace STEAM education. Monica shares her journey from being NYC Tech Mommy to creating a program that brings STEAM to life for kids in Florida and beyond.
Plus enter the Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway!
Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll learn in this episode:
- The story behind Homeschool STEAM and her inspiration for launching this program.
- Why STEAM education is so critical, especially for Latino families, and how her workshops break down barriers.
- Popular STEAM toys for the holiday season.
- Common myths about STEAM education and how she debunks them for families.
- Her vision for the future of Homeschool STEAM and the impact she hopes to have.
About Monica Encarnacion:
Founder of Homeschool STEAM: Monica is the creator of Homeschool STEAM, an educational program dedicated to making science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) accessible and engaging for Latino families and beyond.
Former Bilingual Teacher: Monica believes in the importance of incorporating bilingualism into STEAM learning. She encourages families to nurture their cultural roots while exploring STEAM subjects.
Founder NYC Tech Mommy: Before launching Homeschool STEAM, Monica founded NYC Tech Mommy, a family tech blog where she shares insights about tech, parenting, and educational tools, building a strong connection with families navigating modern learning.
Empowering Latino & Minority Families: Through her workshops, Monica addresses barriers many Latino & minority families face in accessing quality STEAM resources. Her mission is to create an inclusive environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and cultural pride.
Innovative Educator and Speaker: Monica is recognized for her engaging, hands-on approach to learning. She tailors her activities to different learning styles, making STEAM education fun and meaningful for children from diverse backgrounds.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:53 Monologue
03:17 Interview
06:05 Homeschool Steam
08:22 Stem vs Steam
09:06 Steam Education Program
14:15 Top Toys for this Season
16:08 Key components of a Homeschool Steam workshop
21:05 Tips for homeschooling parents
27:05 Steam vs Steam - Misconceptions
31:30 Fast round of questions
36:19 Outro
5 Tips to Make STEAM and Bilingualism a Part of Your Family’s Life
Inspired by our conversation, here are five actionable tips to bring the magic of STEAM and bilingualism into your home:
Start Small
Simple activities like building with LEGO, conducting easy science experiments, or crafting can introduce STEAM concepts. Use Spanish vocabulary during these activities to make it bilingual.
Follow Their Curiosity
Pay attention to what sparks your child’s interest. Whether it’s dinosaurs, outer space, or art, there’s a STEAM project—and Spanish vocabulary—for every topic!
Mix STEAM with Culture
Combine cultural traditions with STEAM activities. For example, create a Día de los Muertos sugar skull and explore the chemistry behind sugar melting points.
Use Bilingual & Community Resources
Look for bilingual books, apps, videos, and community events like Maker's Fair and Brick Fest that explore STEAM topics. Monica and I share some great recommendations in this episode!
Make It Hands-On
Kids learn best when they’re actively engaged. Create experiments, build structures, or explore nature—learning is always better when they can touch, feel, and see results and apply it to real life.
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Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- STEAM Fest - April 19th and 20th, 2025 at The Nest at Robinson Preserve https://www.
homeschoolsteamfest.com/ steamfest
- Maker Faire - https://makerfaire.com
- Minefest - https://minefest.us/
- Brick Fest Live - https://www.brickfestlive.com/
- Minorities in Shark Sciences - https://www.misselasmo.org
- Curiosity Stream - https://curiositystream.com
Toys Mentioned in This Episode:
- Chica Inteligente: https://raisingsmartgirls.com/products/querida-chica-inteligente-stem-kit-ingenieria-electrica/
- Cubelets - https://modrobotics.com
- Sphero Bolt+ https://sphero.com/products/
sphero-bolt-plus - Theodora STEAM Girls - https://theodoragirls.com/
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Additional Apps, Classes, & Resources:
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Online Course: How to Raise a Bilingual Spanish Child
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