February 1, 2017
Help build a K-12 classroom library with STEM books
Posted by Laura Guertin
Books have the power to trigger a lifelong urge to know more about the world and its environs. — “Turn children on to science through reading“, Nature Editorial (December 7, 2016)
I was extremely fortunate to have parents that encouraged me to read when I was growing up. I have many fond memories of trips to the bookstore and local public library to pick out a new book or two. My grade schools had libraries staffed with librarians and volunteers that always recommended books to check out – but I tended to gravitate to my favorites – the Madeline series, then Nancy Drew mysteries, etc.
More and more individual classrooms have libraries, where teachers are building up their own collections for students. It is exciting to hear of more access to books! The classroom libraries are essential, as school libraries and librarians are “going extinct.” For example, in the Philadelphia School District with 220 schools and 134,000 students, there are only eight certified, full-time school librarians (The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 9, 2017). Some school libraries can remain open with volunteers, but many are completely closed. The lack of funding is also impacting public libraries. For example, in 2009, all of Philadelphia’s Free Library system was just days away of closing all of their doors at all branches because of budgetary issues.
This is not a blog post to relive the “good old days” of libraries, and I’m not going to dive into how disappointing it is to see all sorts of bookstores struggling to stay in business. But if reflecting back on your own early memories of reading and library visits has brought a smile to your face, please consider helping teachers and their classrooms libraries with the purchase of a STEM-themed book.
Did you know… Teens who read about the personal and intellectual struggles of scientists feel more motivated to learn science. — from “Even Einstein Struggled: Effects of Learning About Great Scientists’ Struggles on High School Students’ Motivation to Learn Science“, Journal of Educational Psychology (2016)
Here are some lists of recommended STEM books across ages/grade levels.
- KQED MindShift – 14 Books That Connect Students With Valuable Scientists’ Struggles
- American Scientist – STEM Books for Young Children
- Young Adult Library Services Association – STEM Resources
- NSTA – Best STEM Books K-12 (website, PDF file, full book descriptions)
- A Mighty Girl – Science Is For Girls: 30 Books About Female Scientists
- The National Academies Press – Women’s Adventures in Science (10-book set, books can also be purchased individually)
- AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books – Starting in 2005, AAAS honors the best in science writing and illustration for children and young people
These are some general STEM book lists that would still be appropriate for high school students and a general audience:
- Science Friday – The Best Science Books of 2016
- Nature – Top 20 books: a year that made waves
- Smithsonian Magazine – The Best Books About Science of 2016
- Science News – Science News’ favorite books of 2016
Specific recommendations from from recent Twitter posts by Alexandra Witze (@alexwitze, correspondent for Nature) include:
AMERICAN ECLIPSE, by David Baron. Essential background for the 8/21/17 total solar eclipse that will cross America. #sciencegoodreads pic.twitter.com/jvMLjbbmQ5
— Alexandra Witze (@alexwitze) February 1, 2017
INCREDIBLE STORIES FROM SPACE, by @Nancy_A. A behind-the-scenes look at missions like @NewHorizons2015 & @MarsCuriosity #sciencegoodreads pic.twitter.com/Q1Kl0UCuZS
— Alexandra Witze (@alexwitze) February 1, 2017
VOLCANOES: ENCOUNTERS THROUGH THE AGES, by @davidmpyle. Because volcanoes. 🌋 #sciencegoodreads pic.twitter.com/NDdTnI3d1C
— Alexandra Witze (@alexwitze) February 1, 2017
Here’s an article with “11 Books to Read If You Loved Hidden Figures” – http://ew.com/books/hidden-figures-books/wonder-women-25-innovators-inventors-and-trailblazers-who-changed-history-by-sam-maggs/
NSTA also has lists, prior to 2017, of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 – http://www.nsta.org/publications/ostb/