Integrating STEM into storytime is a great way to blend literacy with science, technology, engineering, and math. Children’s books provide a simple and engaging way to introduce these subjects, making abstract concepts more accessible and relatable for young learners. Through the magic of stories, kids can explore the wonders of the natural world, the logic of coding, the creativity of engineering, and the beauty of mathematics in a fun and meaningful way.

Many children's books incorporate STEM themes in an age-appropriate manner, sparking curiosity and encouraging critical thinking. Whether it’s a scientist as a main character, a problem-solving adventure, or a math-based folktale, stories allow children to see STEM concepts in action. Below we explore why STEM storytime is such an effective strategy. We will also provide a list of recommended books, and offer hands-on activities to extend learning beyond the pages.

Why STEM Storytime is Effective

Combining literacy with STEM education offers numerous benefits. Reading stimulates imagination and language development, while STEM concepts build problem-solving skills and curiosity. When woven together, they create a holistic learning experience that nurtures both creativity and analytical thinking.

Stories provide context, characters, and narratives that make STEM topics easier to relate to, especially for younger learners. Instead of presenting isolated facts, children’s books present these ideas embedded in meaningful and engaging scenarios, helping young children grasp complex concepts in a way that feels natural. For example, learning about the scientific method is easier when following the adventures of Ada Twist, Scientist, and understanding exponential growth is more exciting through the folktale One Grain of Rice.

Additionally, reading about diverse STEM role models—such as young scientists, engineers, and mathematicians—helps children see themselves as potential innovators. Exposure to these stories encourages perseverance, curiosity, and a growth mindset, laying the foundation for future STEM learning.

STEM Experiment: Build a Paper Plate Butterfly Life Cycle

Inspired by: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Materials:

• 1 paper plate

• Scissors

• Glue or tape

• Dried pasta (rotini, shell, and bowtie)

• Green construction paper

• Markers or crayons

Steps:

1. Cut the paper plate into four sections to represent the four stages of a butterfly's life cycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly.

2. Egg Stage: Cut a small circle from green construction paper to represent a leaf. Glue a few dry rice grains or small white beads to the leaf as the "eggs."

3. Caterpillar Stage: Glue a rotini pasta piece onto the next section to represent the caterpillar. Let kids color or decorate it.

4. Chrysalis Stage: Glue a shell pasta to represent the cocoon (chrysalis) phase.

5. Butterfly Stage: Glue a bowtie pasta on the last section to represent the butterfly. Let kids color it with markers or crayons.

6. Label Each Stage and discuss how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.

STEM Concept:

• Science: Introduces life cycles and metamorphosis.

• Engineering: Encourages hands-on model-building.

• Math: Can include counting pasta pieces and sequencing stages.

This simple, affordable activity reinforces the book’s themes while making STEM fun and interactive for early learners!

Checkout more STEM Experiments Here

Recommended STEM Books and the Concepts They Teach

Here are some engaging children’s books that introduce STEM topics in a fun and accessible way:

Science

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty – Encourages curiosity, questioning, and the scientific method. Young Ada is always investigating, experimenting, and wondering about the world around her.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – Introduces the life cycle of a butterfly, nutrition, and basic biology in a simple and visually engaging way.

Technology

Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas – A playful introduction to computational thinking and coding concepts through storytelling and hands-on activities.
If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen – Explores creativity, innovation, and futuristic technology through a child’s imaginative car design.

Engineering

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty – Celebrates problem-solving and the engineering design process, encouraging children to embrace failure as part of learning.
What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada – Encourages perseverance and creative thinking to overcome challenges, a key aspect of engineering and innovation.

Math

The Boy Who Loved Math by Deborah Heiligman – Tells the story of Paul Erdős, a real-life mathematician who loved numbers, introducing young readers to the joy of math.
One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale by Demi – Demonstrates exponential growth through an engaging folktale, making abstract math concepts more tangible.

Creating STEM Learning Extensions from Books

To reinforce STEM learning, pair books with simple, hands-on activities:

Science Activity: After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, children can create a paper plate life cycle craft, observing real caterpillars if possible. Discuss nutrition by sorting healthy vs. unhealthy foods.

Technology Activity: Following Hello Ruby, introduce kids to basic coding with games like ScratchJr or unplugged coding activities, such as sequencing steps to complete a task.

Engineering Activity: After reading Rosie Revere, Engineer, give children building challenges using household materials like blocks, straws, or recycled items. Encourage them to iterate on their designs.

Math Activity: After One Grain of Rice, use rice or counters to demonstrate exponential growth. Ask children to predict how many grains of rice would accumulate over time if doubled daily.

Incorporating STEM Themes Into Daily Storytime

STEM doesn’t have to be a special occasion—it can be a regular part of reading time. Here are some ways to integrate STEM into daily storytime:

• Designate a weekly "STEM Storytime." Choose books that explore different STEM concepts and discuss them with children.

• Pair books with hands-on activities. Reinforce concepts through simple experiments, games, or crafts.

• Encourage curiosity and questioning. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How would you solve this problem?”

• Incorporate real-world connections. When reading about scientists or engineers, talk about their contributions and how they impact everyday life.

How to Build a STEM Story Collection

Creating a STEM-focused library doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider these tips:

Library Resources: Many public libraries curate STEM book lists and offer digital access to STEM-related books.
Grants and Donations: Educators can apply for funding through DonorsChoose or local education grants to build a STEM library.
Digital Resources: Websites like Epic! and TumbleBook Library provide access to STEM books for young readers.

Conclusion

Using children’s books to teach STEM makes learning fun, engaging, and accessible. By integrating STEM themes into storytime, young learners develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love for exploration. With the right books and hands-on activities, children can see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians—all while enjoying the magic of storytelling.