First Book Launches STEMtober to Highlight New Educational STEM Resources

When you hear the name, “First Book,” STEM resources like coding robots might not be the first (or second) thing you think of. The First Book community of educators know us mostly for our collection of high quality, new, free or low-cost books. But because we aim to provide the educators and children we serve with everything they need to teach and learn, we’ve added nearly 50 new screen-free, easy-to-use, internet-unrequired hands-on educational STEM resources.

From coding robots to dinosaur egg excavation kits, First Book has selected award-winning, top class resources to inspire and engage students. To better highlight these new, helpful resources, we’re launching STEMtober – a month-long celebration of all things science, technology, engineering, and math.

STEMtober is our month-long celebration of all things Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math!

We believe that education provides kids the tools to achieve their life goals. However, access to quality education is far from equal and significant barriers stand in the way for kids in low-income communities. First Book works to remove barriers – including the lack of opportunities to develop a passion for STEM.

Many educators tell us they have limited time to select classroom resources and may not know where to begin when it comes to STEM. We looked to experts for guidance in choosing our STEM products, including the Toy Association’s guidelines for great STEM toys. We have made sure everything added was child-led, related to the real world, gender-neutral and inclusive, and encouraged creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. We ensured these resources give your kids the opportunity for trial and error and build social and emotional learning (collaborating and perseverance are just a tad more fun when you’re building a robot or race car).

To choose our new STEM resources, First Book considered the challenges our educators face day-to-day in their classrooms: limited or no access to devices, inadequate time to learn new skills and technologies, or slow or no access to internet.

Our four core principles ensure we select the STEM activities that best prepare our teachers and students:

1. Screen-Free.
2. Ease of Use.
3. No Internet Required.
4. Fun and Entertaining!

We want to help you get your kids ready for the workforce in the 21^st century. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer occupations are expected to grow by more than 500,000 new jobs by 2024. Those employed in STEM occupations will earn an average of $87,570 per year- nearly double the average for those in other fields ($45,000). More than 99% of STEM jobs require some post-secondary education – which doesn’t always mean a bachelor’s degree. For example, opportunities like web developer exist for those with knowledge of coding, even without a typical four-year degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer occupations are expected to grow by more than 500,000 new jobs by 2024.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Through our partnerships with Learning Resources, Thames and Kosmos, Melissa and Doug, Picasso Tiles, and School Zone, we’re able to offer First Book members award winning educational toys and activities like Botley the Coding Robot – winner of the 2019 Toy of the Year Award for Best Innovative Toy, and the Coding Robotics Kit, featuring Sammy the Robot – Tech Toy of the Year Finalist.

We are excited to launch this new initiative and share all our innovative resources with you this STEMtober. Throughout the month of October, follow First Book on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to be the first to know about STEMtober giveaways, see demonstrations of our new resources in action, and find out how educators are using STEM activities and stories to add rocket fuel to their students’ passion for learning!

Whether you’re a technophile or technophobe, we’re sure you’ll find something you and your students love among our new STEM resources.

Click here to find our STEM resources on the First Book Marketplace!