Building Friendships through STEM – How Group Projects Boost Social Skills

When parents think about STEM programs like Coding, Robotics, and Minecraft, they often picture kids focused on screens or building something solo. But here at MakerKids, we see something even more powerful happening—friendships forming through teamwork, shared problem-solving, and lots of laughter.

STEM education isn’t just about science and technology. It’s a space where kids learn to communicate, collaborate, and connect. In fact, research from Edutopia shows that collaborative learning strengthens academic performance and social skills, helping kids learn to work as part of a team—an essential life skill.

If your child struggles with confidence, socializing, or teamwork, STEM could be the solution you didn’t know you were looking for.

The Social Benefits of STEM You Might Not Expect

STEMEducation is known for building logic, creativity, and tech skills. But when kids work together on group projects—like programming a robot or solving a coding puzzle—they’re also developing:

• Communication skills (explaining ideas, asking questions)

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Empathy (hearing and including other perspectives)

• Leadership (guiding a group, giving and receiving feedback)

All of this happens in an environment where success isn’t about being right on the first try—it’s about figuring it out together.

Why STEM Projects Help Kids Grow Socially

At MakerKids, our instructors design activities to be hands-on and team-based. That means there’s often more than one way to solve a problem—and figuring it out is where the learning (and bonding) happens.

During a typical group STEM activity, kids:

• Brainstorm ideas as a team

• Take on roles based on their interests or strengths

• Handle setbacks together (yes, even when a robot won’t stop spinning in circles)

• Celebrate shared success

Social growth comes naturally when kids are united by a challenge—not divided by competition.

Real Stories from the MakerKids Classroom

We’ve seen quiet kids light up when their idea becomes the group’s plan. We’ve watched outgoing kids learn to lead by listening. One parent shared:

“My son made his first real friend at STEM camp. They bonded over fixing a robot—and ended up working on their own projects after camp, too.”

These aren’t just fun moments. They’re real developmental wins that impact friendships, confidence, and classroom behaviour.

STEM Helps Kids Who Struggle Socially

Not every child thrives in traditional group settings. Some need more structure, more space to speak, or more time to process. STEM can offer that. It’s especially beneficial for:

• Neurodivergent kids

• Shy or anxious children

• Kids who prefer creative problem-solving to competitive games

In a supportive STEM program, every child has a role—and every idea matters.

Questions for Parents to Consider

• Does my child find it easier to bond over activities than conversation?

• Are they more confident when working toward a shared goal?

• Do they struggle with social situations in traditional classroom or sports settings?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, group-based STEM programs might be exactly what your child needs to build both confidence and connections.

Final Thought: STEM Builds More Than Smart Kids—It Builds Stronger Friendships

In a world full of screens, STEM can actually bring kids closer together. With the right program and support, tech time becomes social time—and problem-solving becomes the foundation for real friendships.

Want to learn more about how MakerKids supports kids through group-based STEM programs? Contact us at [email protected] or call 416-385-3577. We’d love to show you how we help build confident kids, one project—and one friendship—at a time.