Welcome to the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Kirsten Larson sits down with Emily Starr, founder of Starrmatica, to explore the craft and business of writing true stories for kids—especially in STEM and science education.
Discover how to inspire curiosity in young learners, the latest trends in elementary science classrooms, and actionable tips for authors and educators to make science engaging and accessible.
Emily shares her expertise on integrating nonfiction picture books into science curricula, the impact of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and how authors can align their work with classroom needs without sacrificing creativity.
Whether you’re a children’s author, educator, or parent passionate about STEM, this episode is packed with insights, book recommendations, and practical strategies.
Join Emily's science workshops for children's writers here (or purchase the replays): https://starrmatica.com/kidlitscienceseries/
Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Meet Emily Starr & Starrmatica
01:00 - Emily’s Background and Mission in Science Education
03:17 - The State of Science Learning in US Classrooms
05:31 - Why Elementary Science Matters: Sparking Curiosity Early
07:45 - Common Misconceptions & The Importance of Early Science
10:00 - How Science is Taught Today: Time, Challenges, and Opportunities
13:05 - The Shift to Inquiry-Based Science & NGSS Overview
16:20 - Challenges Teachers Face Bringing Science to Classrooms
18:20 - How Authors Can Support Teachers with STEM Books
21:00 - What Makes a Great STEM Picture Book for Classrooms
24:00 - Designing Books to Nurture Curiosity and Inquiry
27:00 - Book Structures & Storytelling Techniques that Spark Inquiry
30:00 - Using Books to Model Scientific Thinking & Practices
33:00 - Advice for Authors: Aligning with Classrooms Without Losing Creativity
36:00 - Emily’s Book Recommendations & Standout STEM Titles
39:00 - Emily’s Upcoming Book and Author Workshops
41:00 - Final Advice for Children’s Nonfiction Authors
43:00 - Where to Find Emily Starr’s Resources & Closing
Keywords: nonfiction kid lit, STEM books for kids, science education, elementary science, inquiry-based learning, Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, children’s book author, writing for kids, science picture books, author resources, teacher resources, book recommendations, Emily Starr, Kirsten Larson, Starrmatica, curriculum guides, science teaching tips, inspiring curiosity, children’s nonfiction, podcast
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