Is It Stem?:

Book Summary

This book was developed to address a growing need for clear, practical guidance in understanding and implementing STEM education. As schools increasingly emphasize STEM, many educators are left asking a fundamental question: What truly counts as STEM, and how can it be effectively integrated into the classroom?

Designed as an accessible and focused resource, this text helps teacher candidates and practicing educators move beyond surface-level activities to develop a deeper understanding of authentic STEM instruction. It emphasizes clarity and purpose, providing concise, targeted content that avoids the overwhelming length often found in traditional textbooks.

Grounded in student-centered and constructivist approaches, the book highlights the teacher’s role as a facilitator of problem-solving, inquiry, and interdisciplinary learning. It explores how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can be meaningfully connected to support critical thinking and real-world application.

With a focus on practical implementation, this book offers educators a framework for designing, evaluating, and refining STEM experiences that are engaging, purposeful, and aligned with educational goals. It is intended for teacher candidates and educators seeking a clear, effective guide to understanding and applying STEM in today’s classrooms.

These strategies can also be supported with our K–8 science reading passages and classroom assessments available throughout the site.