Charting New Horizons: A STEM Trailblazer Reading Adventure
Segal White
ID-2002
School Name:Pelican Marsh Elementary
Grant Request Grade:K-5
Grant Request Subject:Language Arts
Additional Details
The STEM Trailblazer book series introduces students to innovators, discoveries, and emerging fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These texts highlight individuals whose ideas and leadership continue to influence the world while providing students with opportunities to explore new and evolving career pathways.
The goal of this project is to enrich the learning experiences of students in two advanced fifth-grade English Language Arts classes by increasing access to engaging, high-quality STEM literature. Through these books, students will strengthen their nonfiction reading, vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking, research, and analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the connections between literacy, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.
This project addresses the need for consistent access to challenging, high-interest nonfiction texts that extend beyond the traditional curriculum. Students in advanced ELA classes benefit from opportunities to explore complex topics and investigate areas of personal interest while continuing to develop strong literacy skills.
The project aligns with grade-level ELA standards involving independent reading, vocabulary development, informational text analysis, text structure, author's purpose, research, and the use of textual evidence. It also supports broader priorities related to literacy growth, differentiated instruction, enrichment, and college and career readiness.
Students in my two advanced fifth-grade ELA classes are expected to read two nonfiction books each month as part of their independent reading requirements. The STEM Trailblazer series will expand the variety of available titles while providing students with convenient access to engaging, high-interest STEM literature.
At the beginning of the project, students will be introduced to the books through book talks, classroom displays, and book previews. Students will then select titles that align with their interests while exploring a variety of STEM topics, innovations, and career fields.
Throughout the year, students will investigate the accomplishments of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and other influential leaders while examining how their contributions have shaped society. Students will be encouraged to connect the information presented in the books to real-world applications and future career opportunities.
The STEM Trailblazer series also directly supports our first HMH ELA module, which focuses on inventors, innovation, and the factors that inspire people to create, discover, and solve problems. These books will provide students with meaningful opportunities to extend their classroom learning beyond the core curriculum while making authentic connections between literature, scientific discovery, and human ingenuity.
Because these reusable books will remain in the classroom library, the project has the potential to become a sustainable component of the advanced ELA program and continue supporting future groups of students.
This project will benefit approximately 40 students in my two advanced fifth-grade ELA classes during the 2026–2027 school year. It will provide students with greater access to high-quality STEM literature while expanding the variety of nonfiction texts available in the classroom.
Having these books readily available will support students' monthly nonfiction reading requirements while encouraging them to explore topics beyond the traditional curriculum. The STEM Trailblazer series will expose students to innovative careers and influential leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, helping them develop a broader understanding of the many opportunities available within these rapidly evolving fields.
Students will strengthen their nonfiction reading, vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking, research, and analytical skills while engaging with high-interest texts. Expected outcomes include increased engagement with informational reading, greater awareness of STEM careers, stronger literacy skills, and increased confidence when exploring complex topics independently.
Grant funding will be used to purchase two copies of each title in the STEM Trailblazer book series.
The requested materials include:
Two copies of each title in the STEM Trailblazer series
Two copies of each title are requested so students in both advanced ELA classes can consistently access these high-interest nonfiction resources while fulfilling their monthly reading expectations.
The purpose of the funding is to create a classroom collection that supports independent reading, differentiated instruction, nonfiction literacy, and the exploration of innovative STEM careers and leaders. The books will also directly support our first HMH ELA module on inventors and innovation by providing students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the core curriculum.
Because these reusable books will remain in the classroom library, they will continue supporting future groups of advanced fifth-grade students for years to come.
