What Makes the Seasons?

The book just relates seasons to the observations that children make throughout the year. The book opens the door to begin discussing the scientific background of seasons, but doesn't provide the opportunity to discuss it while reading. There are no opportunities to foster development of processes.

• Author: Megan Montague Cash
• Year Published: 2003
• ISBN: 0-670-03598

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Summary

This book explains seasons through observations and questions about the reason seasons occur. The majority of the book describes what occurs during the seasons: rain, blossoming flowers, hibernation, snow, leaves changing colors, etc. The last two pages relates seasons to the sun, but it mentions this in very basic ideas.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: Medium
• Accuracy: Medium
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book just relates seasons to the observations that children make throughout the year. The book opens the door to begin discussing the scientific background of seasons, but doesn't provide the opportunity to discuss it while reading. There are no opportunities to foster development of processes.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes! The whole book is asking questions about why seasons occur. During this time, children can ask questions and wonder with the narrator. At the end of the book, the reason is revealed and students are able to answer their own questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I think this book may provide opportunities for students to think about the scientific reasons behind their daily lives, but it doesn't provide many opportunities to draw their own conclusions.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes! The science topic focuses greatly on the observations that students make about their daily lives. The actual content knowledge is lacking because it describes the process of seasons in terms of the sun and the earth in only 3 pages. However, this is appropriate for the younger ages (Pre-K, K, 1) because they are still in the process of developing content knowledge.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes, it is scientifically accurate. However, the book never explicitly mentions the fact that the sun shines more on the tilted side. It also doesn't explain the earth's tilt. But, otherwise the broad ideas are accurate. Ye

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, it is all factual information. None of the book is written as fiction. However, it is not really an expository text. It follows a nameless character asking questions about seasons. Finally, it ends in the description of the reason for seasons. Yes, the

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are beautiful and colorful. They are clear and provide a lot of fun aspects for young children. For example, the sun has a smiley face.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is perfect for lower grade levels. There are only 1-2 sentences per page. The drawings are colorful and plentiful. The seasons are illustrated very clearly. There are few vocabulary words that would need assistance for young children.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

Possible multicultural component. The only character has no name, but she is pictured with darker skin and possible braids. This is a good counter to the general protagonist of books who are often blonde and light skinned.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book's only character is female, which breaks norms of having male main characters. She is also pictured wearing a variety of outfits, from dresses to pants. I appreciate that as well.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

No, the book only mentions science terms and ideas. The book only discusses seasons and what we observes and at the end, it discusses what causes them.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The book does present a positive attitude towards science because it shows the questions and curiosity that we have about our surroundings in a positive light. The book doesn't mention technology.