You are what you read. As many teachers know, summer reading requirements don’t just apply to students. In the fields of science, many teachers never stop reading about what is happening and where their field is evolving. Engaging students and creating exciting classroom investigations and activities means reading up not only on subject-specific resources, but also best methods for instruction.
But how do you know where to look for well-written, relevant, and fun science books? Whether on a mobile device, computer, or print, teachers can get in the back-to-school spirit by reading the best science books reviewed and rated by their peers. As the summer wraps up, use your next block of 45 minutes to find out what science teachers are reading:

1. Get What Science Teachers Are Reading and Book Beat.

NSTA publishes two monthly bulletins, What Science Teachers Are Reading and NSTA’s Book Beat, to announce new resources and highlight tips and lesson ideas in publications. Each issue has a theme and related products to help you expand your scope of knowledge. In this the e-newsletter of NSTA Press, you’ll also find special offers or discounts active in NSTA’s online Science Store. Browse back issues of NSTA’s Book Beat and sign up to receive future issues.

2. Put a pin in it.

NSTA is on Pinterest! Follow the NSTA Pinterest board What Science Teachers Are Reading, which offers an easy-to-view image collection of the newest NSTA offerings. Create an online reading list, get up-to-date publishing announcements, and enjoy instant notice of special offers or discounts on NSTA products. Pinpoint what you need in your classroom—and share with others.

3. Consult the winners.

This is the year to consult the Outstanding Science Trade Books K-12 list. 2014 was the longest list of books in the program’s 42-year history. Selected by a committee of educators across the nation with an emphasis on applications for Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These titles reflect the best in subject matter and inquiry—with the right dose of imagination.
Literature is an essential partner for scientific inquiry. Scientists must be able to read and write to fully explore and prove their ideas. NSTA is ready to help you find what you and your students need to read next.
More Time?
NSTA launched a line of Multi-Touch books full of gorgeous color photography, dynamic enhancements, and interactive features that enable you to learn, share, and explore. Animations, simulations, and video bring content to life, while pop-up review questions and special notes help underscore the most crucial points of knowledge. Each e-book is correlated to the Disciplinary Core Ideas of the NGSS.
Learn more.