5 books, passages, and articles to get students excited about STEM careers
STEM careers are shaping the future, from solving crimes and exploring space to protecting ecosystems and advancing medicine. Helping students connect classroom learning to real-world careers can spark curiosity, build motivation, and encourage them to imagine new possibilities for themselves.
Engaging nonfiction texts, articles, and passages are a great way to introduce students to a wide range of STEM professions. With Raz-Plus® from ExploreK12TM, every printable, projectable, and assignable text includes a focus question to activate prior knowledge, Response to Reading resources featuring the READY RoutineTM, and a comprehension quiz to assess understanding. Educators can start a 30-day free trial and search for these resources during National Career Development Month in November or any time throughout the school year.
Many books also include additional instructional support such as Comprehension Skill Packs, Graphic Organizers, and Metacognition reading strategies.
Here are five STEM-focused reading resources in Raz-Plus that can help students explore exciting career paths while strengthening literacy skills.
1. Investigate real-world science with Seeing the Evidence: Forensic Scientists at Work
Explore the science behind solving crimes
Many students are fascinated by mysteries, making forensic science an engaging gateway into STEM careers. Seeing the Evidence: Forensic Scientists at Work introduces readers to the collaborative work of scientists and law enforcement professionals who use scientific methods to solve crimes.
Through three real-world case files, students discover how forensic experts analyze evidence that cannot be detected by sight alone. The book highlights the role chemistry, biology, and technology play in criminal investigations while demonstrating how scientific inquiry can make a meaningful difference in the world.
Resource details
- Grade 5
- Lexile: 1010L
- Nonfiction Informational Text
Discussion prompt
How do forensic scientists use evidence to answer questions and solve problems?
2. Inspire future innovators with Women and Girls in STEM Fields
Highlight diverse pathways into STEM careers
Representation matters. Women and Girls in STEM Fields helps students understand both the challenges and opportunities women have experienced in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers.
The passage explores organizations that encourage girls to pursue STEM interests and develop confidence in their abilities. Reading about real efforts to expand participation in STEM can inspire important classroom conversations about innovation, perseverance, and opportunity.
Resource details
- Grade 6
- Lexile: 960L
- Nonfiction Informational Passage
Discussion prompt
Why is it important for STEM fields to include people with different perspectives and experiences?
3. Dream big with Space Camp
Connect students to careers in space exploration
What does it take to become an astronaut, engineer, or space scientist? Space Camp gives students an inside look at immersive programs that bring space exploration to life.
The book introduces readers to the experiences available at space camps and helps them imagine what it might be like to train for a future career related to space travel, engineering, or scientific research. Detailed information and engaging graphics keep students interested while building background knowledge about aerospace careers.
Resource details
- Grade 4, 6
- Lexile: 900L, 1050L
- Nonfiction Informational Text
- English, Spanish
Discussion prompt
What skills might someone need to work in space exploration?
4. Discover how genetics impacts everyday life with Genetics at Work
Explore one of today's fastest-growing fields of science
From agriculture and healthcare to criminal investigations, genetics affects many aspects of modern life. Genetics at Work introduces students to this rapidly evolving field and shows how scientists use genetics to solve problems and improve the future.
As students learn about the broad applications of genetic research, they gain insight into careers such as geneticists, medical researchers, agricultural scientists, and biotechnology professionals. The text helps students see how STEM careers often intersect across multiple disciplines.
Resource details
- Grade 5, 6
- Lexile: 960L, 1100L
- Nonfiction Informational Text
- English, Spanish
Discussion prompt
How can scientific discoveries in genetics help people and communities?
5. Meet a marine biologist in Interview with Mia Adreani
Learn how science careers help protect our planet
Young learners often connect strongly with animals and nature. In Interview with Mia Adreani, students hear directly from a marine biologist who explains why coral reefs are important and how people can help protect them.
The passage demonstrates how STEM professionals make an impact beyond the laboratory. Students learn about environmental science, conservation, and the role scientists play in protecting ecosystems around the world.
Resource details
- Grade 2
- Reading and Activity Resource
- English
Discussion prompt
What can students do today to help protect the environment?
Extend STEM career exploration with current events
Bring real-world STEM learning into the classroom with Science in the News
Career exploration becomes even more meaningful when students connect STEM concepts to current events. Science in the News in Science A-Z® helps students investigate the latest developments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through engaging news articles written specifically for young readers.
Each issue includes:
- Multilevel articles written at three reading levels
- Current events from science, technology, and engineering
- Opportunities for critical thinking and inquiry
- Reading response activities
- Resources that support differentiated instruction
Because Science in the News is searchable by topic, educators can easily find articles related to students' interests, whether they are curious about space exploration, environmental science, artificial intelligence, engineering breakthroughs, or emerging technologies.
The current issue is available for free to everyone, while archived issues provide additional resources for whole-group instruction, small-group learning, and independent reading practice.
Why STEM career reading matters
Literacy can help students envision their futures
Reading about STEM careers helps students do more than build content knowledge. It allows them to see how classroom learning connects to real-world opportunities, introduces them to professionals making a difference, and encourages them to imagine themselves in future careers.
Start a free trial of Raz-Plus
Help students build literacy skills while exploring the people, ideas, and innovations shaping our world. Try the all-in-one K-5 literacy solution that combines engaging texts, differentiated instruction, comprehension resources, and assessment tools to support every reader's growth.