“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.”
-William Arthur Ward
If there’s one thing teachers know best, it’s that curiosity can turn even the simplest lesson into something unforgettable. When you need a fresh idea for a project, a hands-on activity to plug into a unit, or a new way to spark student curiosity, the Educator Lending Library has your back.
We offer book collections on a wide variety of STEAM topics that range from outdoor learning to teacher professional development. Each one is packed with ideas that help you light the spark of curiosity, strengthen equity-focused STEM practices, and grow a maker mindset across your classroom or school. No matter your experience level, these resources are here to support and inspire.
Here are seven curated collections to help you explore new approaches to enrich your instruction and engage students.
Outdoor Learning –
Spark practices of observation, inquiry, and building a deeper relationship with the outdoors with creative and interactive exploration and hands-on lessons. Host lessons on ecosystems, mysteries of the natural world, survival skills, and celebrate the diversity of Earth.
Titles include:
The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World by Temple Grandin, The Search for Sasquatch by Laura Krantz, Nature Swagger by Rue Mapp, Get Eclipsed by Pat & Fred Espenak, Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman, How to Read the Wilderness by The Natural Study Guild, Birds of Oregon Field Guide by Stan Tekiela, and Forest School Activity Cards by Jane Worroll & Peter Houghton.
Tech Projects –
The books in this kit empower students to tinker, explore, and build confidence as creators of technology, not just users. Perfect for makerspaces and tech-forward classrooms.
Titles include:
Star Wars Coding Projects by DK, Make: Making Simple Robots by Kathy Ceceri, Make: Tech DIY by Ji Sun Lee & Jaymes Dec, The Book of Terrifying Awesome Technology by Sean Connolly.
Maker Books –
Unleash the power of imagination and hands-on creativity! This pair of books offers up some advice and project suggestions for young engineers and inventors who are still building foundational maker skills.
Titles include:
Out of the Box by Jemma Westing, Cardboard Box Engineering by Jonathan Adolph, Maker Dad by Mark Frauenfelder, Made To Play by Joel Henriques.
Fun with Math –
Ignite curiosity and build confidence in math through storytelling and experimentation.
Titles include:
Math Maker Lab by Smithsonian, and The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math by Sean Connolly.
Science Projects –
Rouse your students into awe and wonder with common household objects through the power of science! This book collection is a great guide for making complex scientific principles accessible and interactive.
Titles include:
The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science by Sean Connolly and Mason Jar Science by Jonathan Adolph.
Engineering Projects –
Use this collection as a guide to developing inspiring hands-on activities that help students develop real-world problem-solving skills. These books offer practical projects in lessons of mechanics, robotics, aerospace, and more. Learn how to talk about the design process and the value of failure in experimentation.
Titles include:
The Book of Massively Epic Engineering Disasters by Sean Connolly, Make: Tinkering by Curt Gabrielson, and Engineer Academy by Steve Martin.
Teacher Professional Development –
This bundle of books offers educators practical strategies for integrating STEM learning and maker mindsets into their classrooms. Creative frameworks, hands-on projects, and workable methods outlined in these books encourage the fostering of a classroom culture that nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Titles include:
Launch by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani, Daily STEM by Chris Woods, STEAM Makers by Jacie Maslyk, Make: Start Making! By Danielle Martin and Alisha Panjwani, and Making Science by Christa Flores.
Reserve a book collection today through the Educator Lending Library catalog.
Not yet an Educator Lending Library patron? Sign up today!
Be sure to visit our Educator Lending Library resource page to learn more about this free resource for public school K-12 educators in Linn and Benton counties.
