Summer Reading: STEM Lesson Essentials Grades 3-8

Well, it’s that time of year where the ongoing countdown of number of days to the end of the school year is reaching single digits for most of us. As such I’ll be posting some recommendations for professional summer reading related to science education in the coming weeks.

My first recommendation is a new book titled- STEM Lesson Essentials Grades 3-8 by Jo Anne Vasquez, Cary Sneider, and Michael Comer. STEM Lesson Essentials is a timely, readable, and usable guide to STEM literacy that won’t weigh down your beach bag. (At 178 pages it is slim but packs a punch.) See some specifics below.

PROS:

• The Front Matter (chapters 1-5) are essential reading for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of STEM literacy and what it means- Every K-8 principal should read this book!
• Contains authentic and engaging standards-based STEM activities that a teacher might use in a classroom or that a professional development provider might use in a workshop
• Chapters are well-written, engaging, and short… perfect for summer reading
• Makes the case for technology and engineering as central aspects of STEM education
• Uses the STEM Practices as a central storyline (see p. 38)
• Includes support on PBL, assessment, and STEM lesson resources

CONS:

• K-2 examples would be appreciated (as would High School)
• Clearer connections on how to obtain some of the materials in sample lessons
• No e-book version?
• Easy connection to some online supports- video, links, website, etc

Let me know if you would like to join me in a virtual book study over the summer. I’ve only touched the surface on this great resource.