Bridging the STEM Gap Through Stories
A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way — Flannery O'Connor
Engineering for the Uninitiated
GAP: Parents and teachers unfamiliar with engineering aren’t sure if it’s right for their kids—and what they can do to help
Gentle introduction to engineering. Covers what engineering is, how to recognize traits of engineers in children, possible majors for prospective engineers, what a day in the life of an engineer looks like, and so on. Readers are often surprised at what engineering includes, and that they have a little engineering in them, too. Complete with examples, tips, and stories.
Expected But Not Taught
Book 1: Technical Presentations
GAP: Engineering and computer science college education does not always prepare students for technical presentations in industry
For new engineering or computer science/IT graduates or ambitious college students. Gives engineering and computer-specific examples and stories of how to present in a professional setting. Designed and tested with college Millennial students.
Initial version
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Initial version 〰️
The Mighty Steam Engine
GAP: There are few early childhood resources that develop reverse engineering skills
After becoming a mother, Yvonne realized how powerful books for toddlers and preschoolers can be in developing fundamental STEM concepts. Children are naturally curious about how the world works so they are ripe for learning skills required for reverse engineering. The idea for this story came to her after seeing the popularity of a Thomas the Tank Engine’s video on the same topic on Engineer’s Playground’s Pinterest board.
Leveraging this interest, Yvonne used the story structure of The House That Jack Built to show how train parts and people work together to make the train move down the track. Available from Amicus Ink,
TeachingBooks has a Meet the Author interview and a fun Author Pronunciation section to use with your students. I also did a guest blog for them which could help show parallels of creative writing and engineering.
They’re Tearing Up Mulberry Street
GAP: Vocabulary and engineering design concepts aren’t introduced to toddlers even though many children express interest in construction machines as early as 18 months
Yvonne spent two summers as a civil engineering intern drafting, reviewing proposals, and creating bills of materials for roads in Pittsburgh. When her own child became obsessed with construction machines, she wrote the first draft of this book, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. Her young critic had two comments: 1) why was the road being torn up and 2) where was the front loader?
After more detailed consultation with friends in civil engineering and construction about various material and design considerations, she finalized the book which was quoted frequently throughout the summer by her preschool backseat critic when they passed a local road under construction. Publication by Amicus Ink available Fall 2021.
TeachingBooks has a Meet-the-Author interview to use in your classroom! They also have fun Author Name Pronunciation section for all authors. I also did a guest blog for them which could help show parallels of creative writing and engineering.
Bedtime with K-Boy
GAP: STEM is pervasive in our lives, so why write stories that feel like lessons? (see No broccoli in my brownies, please)
My children’s books are deep on content and not as much story drama (yes, it tastes a little like broccoli in the brownies in hindsight). But my husband, also an engineer, is a great story teller. He started recording his stories to our son when he was about 4. The topics changed with age, from T-Rex and trucks to space wars and eventually Egg-sized spies. But through all of them, I could tell that the engineer was telling the tale.
Can you? Perhaps you can find the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in these tales? Perhaps you can see how my husband unintentionally teaches our son how to think like a scientist, engineer, technician, and mathematician?
Season 1: T-Rex, trucks, and other adventures (~ ages 3-4)
Season 2: Starship Troopers and their alien encounters (~ ages 5-7)
Season 3 (not yet published): Adventures of Egg-Man (~ ages 7-9)