Make Learning Fun: 9 STEM books for kids

STEM is very much a buzzword in schools these days – it stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Children are being encouraged to learn these subjects and skills, and there’s a lot of emphasis on making learning fun. Here we’ve pulled together some of our favourite fiction and nonfiction in the STEM area.

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie: Scare of a Dare by Zack Zombie

If you haven’t heard of Minecraft, just ask any kid – they’ll soon set you right. Put simply, Minecraft is a game about placing blocks, constructing buildings and going on adventures. There are also loads of books on the area, and there is even a range of fiction. It’s the story of a twelve-year-old Minecraft zombie who has to learn to deal with the challenges of zombie life.

Readers aged 8+

Buy a copy of Diary of a Minecraft Zombie: Scare of a Dare here.

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

This is an awesome picture book about pursuing your passion. Rosie may seem quiet during the day, but at night she’s a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her Great Great Aunt Rose comes to visit, Rosie wants to build something to help her fly. Also, a great message that it’s okay to fail sometimes, too.

Readers aged 6+

Buy a copy of Rosie Revere, Engineer here.

Coding for Beginners: Using Scratch by Rosie Dickens

Is your child a computer whiz? Then chances are they’re already interested in coding, which is now being taught in many primary schools. This book is an introduction to coding for complete beginners. It’s a friendly and accessible book that teaches children the basics of Scratch (a free, online programme developed by MIT which is widely used in primary schools), allowing them to get inside the code of their computer and create simple games and animations on screen.

Readers aged 7+

Buy a copy of Coding for Beginners: Using Scratch here.

George’s Marvellous Experiments by Roald Dahl

George once created some marvellous medicine for his Grandma – with some interesting results! Probably best not to try that one at home, but here are some that are way more fun. George’s Marvellous Experiments involves concocting home-made slime to creating your own volcano, these fun experiments are all easily done. following simple step-by-step instructions and using everyday household objects! Roald Dahl would approve!

Readers aged 5+

Buy a copy of George’s Marvellous Experiments here.

Dr Karl’s Biggest Book of Science Stuff (and Nonsense) by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

Dr Karl has written almost 40 books on science, and this is one of the biggest. It’s stuffed with things to read, draw, puzzle, invent, order, unscramble, create, write, decode, code, make, match up, mix up. Perfect for a budding scientist!

Readers aged 6+

Buy a copy of Dr Karl’s Biggest Book of Science Stuff (and Nonsense) here.

How to be a Space Explorer by Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is known for their awesome travel guides – so who better to publish this book on how to be a Space Explorer? This is everything young explorers need to know how to travel in space, covering what life in zero gravity is like, how to find your way around the solar system, and the all-important question of how to pee in a spacesuit!

Readers aged 8+

Buy a copy of How to be a Space Explorer here.

DK Eyewitness: Weather by DK Books

Why does it rain? How hot is a bolt of lightning? What makes hurricanes happen? Find out and become an expert on the skies above us. From giant tornadoes to the smallest of snowflakes, discover all about a wide range of weather conditions and how they are created.

Readers aged 9+

Buy a copy of DK Eyewitness: Weather here.

See Inside Your Body by Katie Daynes

This astonishingly inventive title allows young children to discover the inner workings of the human body in a gently humorous, yet wholly accurate way. Bright, original colour illustrations and diagrams display all the major organs of the human body and are accompanied by witty, clear, and informative factual text. It contains over fifty flaps, which children can lift to reveal extra detail. Entertaining and authoritative, this is human biology for children at its very best – a book both educational and enjoyable.

Readers aged 7+

Buy a copy of See Inside Your Body here.

Australia’s Greatest Inventions and Innovations by Christopher Cheng and Linsay Knight

In conjunction with the Powerhouse Museum, this book is perfect for budding inventors. Did you know that an Australian invented wifi, clothes lines, lawnmowers, vegemite, mousetraps, and more? Full of facts, photos and fun surprises for curious kids and grown-ups alike.

Readers aged 12+

Buy a copy of Australia’s Greatest Inventions and Innovations here.