Want a new book that can help your child learn about STEM? We’ve got you covered. Here are my picks for the best STEM books that were published in August 2020. These are presented in no particular order.
Space: A Visual Encyclopedia
DK is a well-known and respected publisher who commonly publishes encyclopedia-styled books aimed towards children. This version is no different. High quality images and information bits of information about space. This is the kind of book that I would pore over when I was a kid during long car rides. And, of course, be excited to share all of that newfound knowledge with my parents.
Ocean Animals and Their Ecosystems
Good book for introducing kids (particularly 4-10-year-olds) to ocean animals. It breaks the ocean down into 6 areas: open ocean (understanding the basics of the ocean), kelp forests, coastlines and shores, coral reefs, polar regions, and deep waters/underfloor.
It provides a nice mix of textual descriptions and illustrations, diagrams, and other visuals.
Preschool Science Workbook
Preschool Science Workbook is not going to magically teach your preschooler complicated STEM topics. But what it does do well is teach concepts that kids at that age routinely learn (e.g., handwriting) using STEM elements as a backdrop (e.g., trace over the word microphone, or the names of planets).
My First Book about Genetics
My First Book about Genetics is written for grade levels 1-2, which means kids from the age of 6-10 could find it enjoyable. One nice thing about this book is that it is written by an experienced children’s book writer/illustrator (Patricia Wynne) who has been recognized for her work.
The book uses large graphics, along with age-appropriate explanations, to introduce kids to the world of DNA and genes.
The Polio Pioneer
This colorful Jonas Salk biography tells the life story of the man who created the polio vaccine. The 40-page book is aimed at reading levels of 4-8 years old.
The Science of Defying Gravity
I truly appreciated the approach that The Science of Defying Gravity takes to integrate STEM education into a fiction book. The general plot is that a young girl is excited to attend Space Camp, but must ultimately earn a scholarship to attend. And winning the scholarship is dependent on a science fair. So, readers follow along as she develops a project related to the four forces of flight (lift, thrust, gravity, and drag). Embedding science education into a novel is a great way to teach kids without it feeling forced.
The Kids Who Changed the World: 10 Amazing Science Stories
This book is a fun addition to nighttime reading. It uses big, colorful illustrations along with short (12-16 lines generally) rhymes to tell the story of 10 famous scientists: Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Faraday, Darwin, Pasteur, Maxwell, Tesla, Marie Curie, Einstein.
What Happens When I Learn to Code
The one thing that stands out to me with this book is that it doesn’t just focus on the technical side of coding, but it also highlights the “soft skills” that are just important. These include collaboration and risk-taking. Coding doesn’t have to be a solo enterprise. And it involves solving problems, and a willingness to think outside the box.
Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels
So, yes, the squirrels are named Newton (after Sir Isaac) and Curie (after the Curies). That’s not quite enough to sell me on this book. But, it’s a fun story where two squirrels become engaged with STEM (why did an apple fall down and hit me on the head? how do I build a simple machine?). And our two STEM squirrels get to use their knowledge to rescue a fallen bird nest.
This is a cute story that elementary school children should enjoy.