Do you have a collection of favorite STEM picture books in your classroom? I LOVE using carefully selected read alouds to kick off STEM Challenges, and over the years, I’ve developed some favorites that I return to again and again for many reasons. Picture books can instantly captivate a squirmy class of first graders, bring wide-eyed wonder to middle elementary, and spark deep and intellectual discussions with upper grades and middle school students. They can be the perfect inspirational “hook” for a STEM challenge, sparking background knowledge and promoting meaningful connections and real-world problem solving.
As a former general education teacher for early childhood and current Gifted and Talented/STEM teacher, I’m always seeking new and innovative ways to integrate STEM and Literacy. Here are some of the many reasons why:
When I’m searching for that “just right” STEM picture book in my school library or on Amazon, I have a set of criteria that I always keep in mind to make sure I’m meeting my students’ needs in as many ways as possible. Here are my recommended characteristics of STEM picture books and links to some of my favorite titles.
One of the first characteristics I watch for is pieces of the engineering design process in action. Are the characters solving a real world problem? Are they drawing blueprints or imagining solutions? Are they constructing or creating something to solve that problem? Are they making improvements to their designs? A great STEM read aloud does not have to have all the elements of engineering design, but it definitely leads to more meaningful connections as students navigate the engineering process on their own. Here are a few of my favorites that beautifully portray the Engineering Design Process in action:
The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Any picture book that gets your little ones’ wheels turning like inventors is a winner in my book! We always want to help our students to see the world not as it is, but what it could be, and inspire them to create inventions that solve problems around them. Here are some great ones:
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
With My Hands by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
Real world applications are a HUGE plus for STEM picture books and can be found in both fiction and nonfiction titles. Keep students’ ages and interest levels in mind as you choose texts that are most appropriate for them. The more relevant and memorable it is for your kids, the more likely it is that long term knowledge will stick! Here are some of my faves:
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk
If I Built a House by Chris van Dusen
What to do With a Box by Jane Yolen
I cannot stress the importance of inclusivity and diversity in our classroom libraries as a whole. Not only is it important for our students to recognize themselves in the books that we share with them, they must be able to identify with and appreciate different abilities, cultures, and ethnicities in the world at large. Because STEM careers have historically been lacking in female and minority representation, we must inspire ALL our children to engage in the power of engineering. Here are some of my favorites that ar also based on real inventors:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Because both failure and improvement are essential stepping stones in the engineering design process, we must find picture books that exemplify the power of goal-setting, perseverance, grit, and strong work ethic. If students are exposed to characters and real world inventors who overcome failure, they will be more likely to embrace their own sense of resilience. Here are some amazing titles that inspire a growth mindset in our students:
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
The Boo-Boos that Changed the World by Barry Wittenstein
Again, both fiction and nonfiction books apply here as you’re seeking out ways to incorporate more specific science and math standards in a STEM Challenge. Here are some titles that you and your students will love:
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Tangled: A Story About Shapes by Anne Miranda
The Marvelous Thing That Came from a Spring by Gilbert Ford
Finally, there are those picture books that simply light a spark in our students, encouraging them to create something to make our world better. That is the true essence of engineering, after all! You can inspire your little makers with these titles:
What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada
If you’re interested in low-prep STEM challenges and ELA lessons for K-3rd Grade to supplement favorite picture books, check out our ever-growing Storybook STEM collection!
Check out more products and blog posts on my website, Teach Outside the Box!
***This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on Amazon using one of these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase.***
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