5 Reasons Why Space Books Are Also Secret STEM Tools for Children

Every elementary teacher or homeschool parent knows how hard it is to squeeze all the academic lessons children need to learn into one day. When everything goes according to plan, math and reading happen in the morning and science and social studies flow into the afternoon. Unfortunately, it’s rare that everything goes according to plan in a busy K-2 classroom. 

But what if you could squeeze Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math concepts into one 15-minute block?  With the right picture books, reading time can provide STEM tools for children and build curiosity at the same time.  

Most teachers introduce kindergarten children to the sun, moon, and stars. But while reading a space book, children learn about the solar system while also building the foundation they need to tackle more different STEM topics and give them an immersive experience of understanding the world.  

If you're looking for STEM books for kids, then pick up a space theme book. You can’t go wrong.

Here are 5 reasons why space books are also secret STEM tools for children.

1. Science: Space books give young children the their first tool to understand the science of gravity: 

Gravity is what holds our planet and the other planets in space. When children wonder why gravity keeps some objects on the ground and some in the air, they are learning about the power of gravity. 

2. Technology: Space books demonstrate how building technologies are necessary to do things we can’t do with our own bodies.

When children see a character looking through a telescope, they are given early exposure to how we use technology.They learn that we need technology like telescopes and computer programs to see and study the activity of planets in space. 

3. Engineering: Space books that show rocket building introduce students to the idea of engineering. A rocket has several parts that not only help it launch but also land. 

When a child sees a character like Rocko Rocket disappointed that his rockets keep crash landing, they also see him face and overcome an engineering challenge. He has to add something to this rocket to keep them from breaking. 

4. Math: Space books show the math through measurement. If a book says something is twice as large as another, then they are also learning the idea of multiplication. 

By looking at an image of  the sun and planets on a page of a book, students can observe distance.They can see some planets are closer to the sun than others.

Smaller children can practice counting when naming how many planets are in our solar system. 

5. Curiosity: Space books build on one of the most important STEM tools children need: curiosity. Because curiosity is the main ingredient to prompt experimentation.

When a child has questions a thirst develops to find the answers which leads to hands-on exploration. 

Space books are exciting and fun for kids. Whether they are counting the planets in our solar system, imagining themselves exploring the moon through a telescope, or dreaming of building their own rocket one day, they're also building tools. The tools they need to not only drive interest and competence in STEM fields, but the tools needed for future innovation.

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