What makes our books different?
Young people are natural scientists with a desire to ask questions and observe the world around them. It’s part of human nature to be curious. Science brought to life through experiments, labs, and inquiry-based projects builds on that natural curiosity in all of us. We get the opportunity to explore the phenomena of the world and discover for ourselves what makes things work.
Literature allows us to explore the world through a creative lens. As readers, we can ask ‘what if’ questions and explore how events might work under different circumstances. Books unlock a world of exploration not that different from science, one where we can experiment with big ideas in a fictional world.
At Book & Beaker, we have merged these two disciplines into one interdisciplinary platform, allowing young readers to explore big ideas in the fictional world of literature along side science phenomena in the real world. Just like the 2 halves of our brain, the books at Book & Beaker are designed to merge both creativity and logic in ways that capture a young reader’s natural curiosity and broaden their mind.
Use in the classroom…
Our books have been specifically designed with classroom use in mind. At the elementary level especially, it is increasingly difficult to build time in the schedule for science. What better way to incorporate science then through ELA? Each book is written in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core ELA standards. Plus, it’s not just a fictional story. Each book also includes informational text and science projects. Couple a class set of books with the Teacher’s Guide and you have a complete 4-6 week interdisciplinary unit covering both ELA and Science standards.
Reading at home…
Do you have a curious mind at home? The activities, stories, and informational text found in each book can unlock a world of adventure for your child. Most kids find themselves wanting to know more after reading a great story. Our books provide young readers with the tools they need to discover the answers to their questions. They’ll learn more about the science behind the fictional stories and have an opportunity to engage in the same activities as their favorite characters!
Meet the Author
As a long-time classroom educator, I am passionate about both science education and literature, often seeking to create interdisciplinary units that brought together both disciplines. Inquiry-based science programs are critical to education not just because of the future of STEM careers, but because they play on our natural human instincts of curiosity and wonder. And literature opens up a world of creativity and thoughtful critical thinking necessary for our young learners.
But I also know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to implement hands-on projects and inquiry activities with minimal support and resources, and how challenging it can be to incorporate science into the classroom with or without well-developed interdisciplinary units.
While there are fantastic science-based literature pieces out there already, I came to realize that we needed something more. Something that went further. Something that was written and structured specifically for the work we do in the classroom. Quality literature that was written in direct response to the standards with all the additional resources educators need to implement it successfully in the classroom.
This is the mission of Book & Beaker and the drive behind the books and resources you will find here. Books that are more than just stories. Books that bring to science to life while meeting educational standards and supporting classroom educators with the resources needed to carry out an entire unit.
Contact us
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