September is National Read a New Book Month. Of course, anytime is a great time to pick up a new book. Celebrating together can inspire readers both young and old to start reading something new. Books can be a great way to discover new interests and passions. Why not use this opportunity to get school-aged students motivated in STEM?
Books to Inspire STEM in School-Aged Students
According to Waterford, books with STEM-themed concepts can help reinforce the same ideas that they learned in the classroom. Waterford is an organization that combines the science of learning, the power of mentoring, and the promise of technology to build family and community partnerships that deliver access, excellence, and equity in early education for all children. They have partnered with families, schools, communities, and government organizations to provide access to educational resources and deliver individualized, research-driven learning resources to all young learners. They have put together a list of 20 of the best STEM books for pre-k and elementary school students and educators. Many of the titles can be downloaded for free simply by creating an account.
Need recommended STEM reading for older students too? The University of Pennsylvania has a list of recommended STEM books for kids of all ages. They offer category breakdowns by age, STEM topic, and fiction vs. nonfiction. Check out the list here.
Additionally, this list from Master’s in Data Science provides 47 books to choose from for students in a range of ages. MastersinDataScience.org is owned and operated by edX, a global online learning platform that exists to help learners everywhere unlock their potential. Check out their other STEM resources as well, such as learning resources for children.
More Ways to Celebrate Reading With Students
Of course, reading about STEM is great, but taking the initiative to read should always be celebrated. There are lots of ways to celebrate and encourage reading in students.
- Use this day to visit a library or a bookstore
- Help kids organize a book drive or find a few books to donate or give to younger children
- Have your students or kids pretend they are the teacher and let them read to you
- Check with local restaurants or businesses to see if they offer rewards for reading
- Join a book club and share the experience your kids or students