Story Mapping with STEM: Integrating Science & SEL with Readers Theater

Engage your students with a unique lesson plan that combines storytelling, science concepts, and social-emotional learning (SEL). This comprehensive resource is designed for educators seeking creative ways to integrate science and SEL into their curriculum.

The lesson features Readers Theater scripts and comic strips that focus on story elements and story mapping, with a special emphasis on diversity and acceptance. Based on the book Adam Baum: The Autistic Engineer, this resource explores themes of inclusion, understanding, and empathy.

Students will not only map out story elements like plot, character, and setting but also dive into integrated science concepts through engaging scripts and comics. The resource offers hands-on activities and discussion prompts that encourage collaboration, creativity, and respect for diversity.

This lesson plan is ideal for classroom or homeschooling settings and is suitable for a range of grade levels. It includes detailed instructions, worksheets, and interactive elements designed to make learning both fun and meaningful. Whether you're teaching language arts, science, or social studies, this resource will help you foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

This lesson pairs well with Adam Baum: The Autistic Engineer eMotion, an audio-visual version of the story, available in my TpT store.

Story Elements

The lesson begins with an introduction to the fundamental elements of storytelling, including:

• characters
• setting
• plot
• conflict
• and resolution

Students gain a deeper understanding of how narratives are constructed and the role each element plays in shaping the overall story through interactive activities such as:

• story mapping
• character analysis
• and plot diagramming

Integrated Science Concepts

Also included, a fun and engaging way to teach science concepts is through Readers Theater and comic strips that incorporate wordplay and humor. Here's a brief outline:

• Readers Theater: This involves participants reading a script aloud to bring characters and situations to life. It's a great tool for illustrating scientific concepts in a dramatized, yet educational format.

Social Emotional Learning:

Some of the lessons included focus on the theme of diversity and the importance of recognizing and respecting differences in others. Storytelling, guided discussions and reflective exercises encourage students to empathize with characters from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of compassion and understanding.

To further reinforce the lesson's objectives, students are given the opportunity to create their own stories that celebrate diversity. Whether through writing, storytelling, or multimedia presentations, students are encouraged to incorporate themes of acceptance and inclusivity.

Throughout the lesson, emphasis is placed on creating a safe and supportive learning environment where all voices are valued and respected. By weaving together literacy skills with lessons on empathy and diversity, this multifaceted approach equips students with the tools they need to not only become proficient storytellers but also compassionate and empathetic individuals who embrace the richness of human experience.