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Spark Science Learning Through Children’s Trade Books

By Claire Reinburg

Posted on 2016-09-28

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Research points to the benefits to student learning that come from teaching reading in the content areas, such as in science class. The National Research Council noted in a summary report of their workshop Literacy for Science that “when students have a reason to read, a reason to learn terminology, and compelling and interesting content, their level of engagement increases, as well as their stamina and cognitive effort.” Give your students new reasons to read by incorporating captivating science texts in your lessons. Add the newest NSTA Kids books or selections from NSTA’s annual list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students, K–12 to your classroom library this fall. 

Explore New NSTA Kids Books

Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings, by Jessica Fries-Gaither, will inspire young scientists with its colorful and lively glimpses inside the notebooks of famous scientists such as Galileo and Jane Goodall. After learning the many ways scientists use their notebooks to sketch observations, record data, or jot their thoughts, students can follow the four steps provided to launch their own journals of discovery. Browse sample pages of this fascinating new children’s book from one of the authors of NSTA’s award-winning elementary-level book Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers. Notable Notebooks cover
From Flower to Fruit, by Richard and Kathleen Konicek-Moran, draws readers in with the twin charms of rich illustrations and an engaging narrative to explore the mysteries of how seeds become plants and the importance of flowers in every ecosystem. Six kid-friendly activities and background information for parents and teachers complement the text. See these sample pages to glimpse the wonders awaiting budding botanists in this new resource. Richard Konicek-Moran is author of the popular NSTA Press series Everyday Science Mysteries.  From Fruit to Flower book cover
 Next Time You See a Cloud, by Emily Morgan, reveals some fascinating science behind the beautiful displays of ever-changing clouds we see in the sky. The book answers all kinds of questions: What are clouds made of? Why are some clouds white? Which clouds mean fair weather is coming, and which ones mean rain is on the way? Take a look inside at the beautiful photos and detailed information conveyed in this new book in the award-winning Next Time You See series.  Next Time You See a Cloud book cover
For additional science resources for curious kids, explore more books in the award-winning NSTA Kids series. And be sure to check out the extensive list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students, K–12, selected each year by NSTA and the Children’s Book Council.
NSTA Press also provides a wealth of lessons on how to incorporate children’s trade books and other texts into science class through the Picture-Perfect Science series; Teaching Science Through Trade Books; Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers for elementary grades; the forthcoming Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers in Middle School; Once Upon a Life Science Book; and Once Upon an Earth Science Book.

Special Fall Savings From NSTA Press

Between now and November 1, 2016, save $15 off your order of $75 or more of NSTA Press books or e-books by entering promo code BKS16 at checkout in theonline Science Store. Offer valid only on orders placed for NSTA Press books or e-books on the web and may not be combined with any other offer.


NSTA’s Book Beat is also emailed as a monthly e-newsletter designed to keep NSTA Press® readers, and the wider audience of science teachers, informed about books and teacher resources available through the National Science Teachers Association. Each month’s issue highlights selected topics in science education and new content in NSTA Press books with links to free sample chapters and lessons. NSTA’s Book Beat also informs readers of special offers and discounts available through the NSTA Science Store. Click here to view past issues or to sign up to receive future issues.

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