When most parents look to the future and see their children, they envision them being successful and independent. More so, they see them making notable contributions to society and loving their careers. These are big dreams, and as parents, we have the tremendous responsibility of preparing our children for that role.
- Why is STEM education important?
- How can parents foster a love for science?
- Five outstanding STEM books for your child’s library
5 STEM Children’s Books That Will Make Your Kids Love Science
We try to expose them to the right experiences, see that they get a good education, and try to keep that curious fire burning. One way we tackle this responsibility is through the books we read to them when they are young.
Why is STEM education important?
In Today’s technology-laden world, many of the stories we read to our children have changed. If you’ve perused the children’s book section lately, you have probably noticed that books with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) themes are prevalent — and with good reason.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, “STEM workers drive the nation’s competitiveness by generating new ideas, new companies, and new industries.” However, STEM workers’ availability continues to decline in proportion to need. We have seen 3x the growth in STEM jobs in recent years, yet finding people qualified for these positions remains difficult.
Due to the demand for their skills, people who pursue STEM careers earn 26 percent more than people who comprise the non-STEM workforce. Additionally, the market will continue to grow as the world becomes more and more dependent on technology.
How can parents foster a love for science?
Therefore, raising children who can adapt and learn STEM content is more important than ever. You might be asking, ‘How can I foster a love for science in my children?’ It’s a good thing there are ample STEM children’s books to help you ignite that spark.
Although hundreds of books are available, let’s take a look at five of the most unique and popular for young children, so you can begin to stock your STEM library without being overwhelmed.
Five outstanding STEM books for your child’s library
A Look Inside How Things Work
An Usborne book
Author: Rob Lloyd Jones
Many children’s books have this title. And there are even a few similar to this one in content. However, this version by Rob Jones stands out from the crowd. While others might suit older children, this one is interactive with over 70 flaps to lift. It is categorized as a board book, meaning it might be a little more durable than other interactive counterparts.
Covering the mechanics of vehicles, earth, space, and more, this book will provide hours of wonder and help answer some complicated questions about ‘how things work’ with uncomplicated content. Undoubtedly, A Look Inside How Things Work can help your child develop an affinity for STEM from a very young age.
Let’s Learn About Chemistry
By Stephanie Ryan, Ph.D.
Unique to the array of STEM children’s books is Let’s Learn About Chemistry by
Stephanie Ryan, Ph.D. Ryan wrote her book to generate interest in chemistry and other sciences at a young age, hoping children can maintain that interest throughout their lifetime. The book also aims to cultivate science and engineering skills such as making comparisons and justifying claims with evidence.
Ryan discovered that even very young children have natural science tendencies by watching her son sorting toys into colors and shapes. Knowing chemistry has the same elements of categorizing, Ryan developed the idea for her book. The book is interactive and engages readers of all ages. Babies are even captivated by its vivid illustrations and colors.
A Look Inside Our World
An Usborne book
By Emily Bone
A Look Inside Our World is another in the Usborne series of ‘flap’ books on STEM subjects. This book introduces geology and geography concepts to young children in a fun and interactive way. Its vivid illustrations immediately capture your child’s attention, and children of all ages love the over 60 engaging ‘lift flaps.’ These flaps lift to explain questions children might have about all aspects of our earth. Bone’s unique STEM book expertly explains our earth’s intricate workings in uncomplicated ways children can grasp.
The Quicksand Book
By Tomie dePaola
For decades, children have been drawn to Tomie dePaola’s unforgettable stories and illustrations. The Quicksand Book is another success in this arena as it addresses some scientific concepts in a fun and humorous way. As dePaola does so well, The Quicksand Book uses unique, charismatic characters like Jungle Girl and Jungle Boy to explain the science behind quicksand. Simultaneously, Jungle Girl has fallen victim to quicksand’s powers, and dePaola weaves the story around her rescue.
As an extra feature, dePaola also includes instructions for a ‘scientific experiment’ — making quicksand. This book has been labeled “a classic picture book with equal parts science lesson and entertainment.”
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?
By Patrice McLaurin
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? was selected by Microsoft as a STEM inspiring contribution, helping children grasp the origin of some of our most useful scientific inventions. Specifically, Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? features some of the most notable African-American inventors and takes you back in time to learn their stories. Excellent as a ‘read aloud’ book for younger children or a ‘read alone’ selection for elementary students, this book addresses an essential part of history and science, giving tribute to the African-Americans. They changed our world with their inventions.
To conclude
Having an array of books that address STEM concepts in your children’s library is easier than ever with quality selections like those above. And these five are just a few in a long list of STEM books available.
With demand for STEM competent employees inevitable in the future, Today’s children need every advantage available to understand science. Introducing books with STEM content early in your child’s development and making them available as they grow can help them understand science more efficiently in school. This fact will help them do well and learn to love science, which is an excellent indicator that they will successfully navigate the future technology.
