STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, and is often used to describe an educational approach or learning focus. Though similar to STEM, STEAM includes a focus on literacy and reflection, inviting learners to leverage both hard and soft skills to understand concepts and solve problems.
Regarding this focus on literacy, Sims Bishop highlights the concept of children and youth reading books that serve as both windows and mirrors. Through windows, we can learn about cultures and experiences from people who are different from us and gain an understanding of their backgrounds. With mirrors, the stories of others like us are reflected back to us and affirm our identities. Reading aloud to your child about STEAM concepts from a variety of perspectives fosters inspiration and helps them construct connections, engaging in windows and mirrors in narrative.
As we center Black History Month this February, the accomplishments of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in STEAM fields are on our mind. So many BIPOC individuals have fought to showcase their brilliance and make impactful discoveries, and their stories show us that STEAM learning is for everyone.
Below is a list of 14 books that promote STEAM learning, share big achievements throughout history, and consider the scientists and artists that have shown us how to delve into these topics. Hover over the book cover for each title to read descriptions and recommended reading ages.
