STEM Reader: What is Science? 2nd Grade Decodable Readers

STEM: What is Science explains to students what STEM is with a specific focus on the S for science. Children often hear terms that don't have meaning for them. Giving them a better understanding of what STEM is and why it is important to understand all fields that work together provides a crucial understanding and gives students a purpose for their study.

Optional extension activities were created for vocabulary focus and asking and answering questions about nonfiction text. These pages can be eliminated and the early fluent reader can be used alone.

Information Text Standards Addressed If Chosen:

RI. 1 Asking and answering questions

RI. 4 Vocabulary

RI. 6 Author's Purpose

RI. 7 Illustrations

The set includes

• a definition of STEM

• an explanation of science and a scientist

• explanation of what a scientist does

• understanding key vocabulary and phrases {investigate, observations, research, science, scientist, STEM}

• asking and answering questions

• creating illustrations to help bring meaning to the words in the text

• exposure to why the author makes decisions in writing

Parts of the book have the language of an informational text {factual and how-to} and other parts are opinionated and appeal to the emotions {persuasive}. If you're currently working on an informational or persuasive reading/writing unit of study, this little text is a nice connection. Idea: Students can research additional information and add "Wow Facts" or "Did You Know" bubbles to certain pages in the book.

Directions: Cut the pages in half, assemble, and staple. Allow some time for coloring and illustrating. Use during shared reading or small group reading instruction. Teach the key vocabulary and let the children write definitions in their own words and/or draw pictures to show the meaning of the words. Also, allow students to ask and answer questions about the text. Reread individually or in pairs.

★ Readability: 3rd grade (Shared Reading for 2nd may be necessary due to vocabulary. Sentence structure is written for 2nd grade.)

★ Word Count: 148

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