S.T.E.A.M. Reading List for Kids
Though we love conducting experiments and hands-on activities, they aren’t the only ways to learn new STEAM principles. Reading can have a prominent role in teaching students the relevance and application of STEAM subjects as well as some other subjects too. Continue reading for a reading list to begin showing students the importance of STEAM.
STEAM education stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. STEAM education is a nationwide initiative encouraging critical thinking, increasing science literacy, and enabling the next generation of innovators. It’s a synergistic approach to teaching STEAM disciplines instead of isolating them as separate subjects. The STEM initiative has begun incorporating “art” to bring the right brain into traditional scientific thinking.
Each year, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) hosts a contest for the best STEM-related books for kids. The NSTA recognizes that students can easily learn STEM content while practicing literacy skills (and having fun!). According to the National Science Teachers Association, effective STEAM-related literature will:
- Offer real-world situations (fictional or non-fictional)
- Exemplify the importance of teamwork
- Invite creativity and divergent thinking
- Model real-world innovation
- Embrace real-world innovation
- Explore a variety of solutions to problems
- Address connections between STEM disciplines
Mobile Ed’s mission is to help students become passionate and excited learners. Exposing students to STEAM subjects in books can be an uncomplicated way for educators and parents to spark excitement in their students while teaching them something new. Though textbooks are relevant to our students’ education, fictional stories can teach our students important STEAM skills as well. Reading fiction requires processing information differently than non-fiction and can teach students life lessons, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Stories tend to be more memorable as well, sticking with students for a while to come.
Here are some books for young readers to enjoy over the summer or add to your STEAM curriculums:
Books for Ages 4-7
- Once Upon a Star: A Poetic Journey Through Space by James Carter. Poetry and science combine in this story to create an out-of-this-world adventure. This picture book explains the Big Bang Theory with discussions of the exploration of space.
- Action! By Meghan McCarthy. This picture book is bound to capture the attention of students with its fun facts and illustrations about the evolution of photography, movies, and the people who made them happen.
- Count on Me by Miguel Tanco. This picture book about math doesn’t feel like a textbook. Readers find themselves in a story that celebrates a love for math and its relevance all around us.
- In Our Garden by Pat Zietlow Miller. Learning about both science and patience, readers follow young Millie as she moves to a new city and plants a garden with her new classmates on the roof of her school.
Books for Ages 8-12
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. Based on a true story, this book tells William Kamkwamba’s story of bringing electricity to his village of Malawi. Using resources from the library, old bicycle parts, and determination, William builds a windmill to help his village after a drought.
- The Friendship Code (Girls Who Code) by Stacia Deutsch. In this fictional book series, Lucy can’t wait to join the Girls Who Code club, a topic she’s actually interested in! What she doesn’t expect is the friendships she makes along the way.
- Concrete: From the Ground Up by Larissa Theule. With comic-style illustrations, readers get to learn about the materials that build their schools, homes, and cities. This book is likely to spark interest in the wonders of engineering.
- Blast Off!: How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America into Space by Suzanne Slade. This exciting story features how Mary Sherman overcame challenges and stereotypes to become the world's first female rocket scientist. There’s no doubt that students will be inspired by Sherman’s life, telling a powerful story that was written to teach and inspire kids.
Need another engaging way to bring STEAM concepts to life for your students? Turning your gymnasium into a hands-on museum, the STEAM Museum program is an exciting way to teach students about the fun applications of STEAM concepts. This program includes state-of-the-art, hands-on activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Stations students can experience include robots, virtual reality, 3D printing, art, engineering, and more!
Some subjects covered in the STEAM Museum are:
- Simple machines
- 3D printing
- Computer programming
- Conservation of energy
- Team building
For more information on Mobile Ed’s science programs, visit our website.