A Drop of Blood

I believe so. It begins by talking about what happens when you get a cut on your body, and then transitions into what blood is made of, then how it works. In each step, the book scaffolds how blood works, thus fostering that development of processes discussed here.

Author: Paul Showers
Illustrator: Don Madden
Year Published: 1989
ISBN: 0690245262

Summary

A Let's Read and Find Out Science book in a whole series written by Paul showers, it details the composition of blood, and its functions throughout the body.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

Yes, at one point the book asks students to experiment with a flashlight on their bodies to see the color of blood pumping through, and later provides the answer with illustrations and text.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Somewhat, though the majority of the book is giving students direct information on how blood works. It does provide space for Think Alouds, so students can discuss the new facts that are being provided.

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

Yes, if you are teaching a unit on life science and how the body works, this book provides an engaging and factual resource for knowledge on the blood that pumps through our bodies. It is relatable to students through its illustrations, as well as, the way the topic is introduced, through cuts and scabs very common for kids this age.

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

Yes, this content is based on what blood is actually composed of as far as scientists have investigated and named, and the processes/function that scientists agree it partakes in.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book gives students many facts, though not really any opinions for students to be able to differentiate between the two. It could be used in relation with another book that provides mainly opinion, creating that compare/contrast between two texts option.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and relatable to children in this age group. For this edition, the illustrations were of a little boy and his dog, but in the newer editions, the illustrations are that of Dracula as the narrator telling all about blood. Both provide clear and accurate illustrations that are relatable to kids in this age group.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, I feel it would be best suited for 3rd graders, though it could be highly informative and discussed greatly in the ages below. I feel like this book offers a good opening/starting point for exploration on the body.

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

No and yes, it is mainly just facts about blood, free from differences of the people its within.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, it's just about blood, and how it works in the body.

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

Towards the end of the book, it provides how many quarts of blood are in people of different sizes, which could be a lead into an integrated math and science activity about how to discover the amount of quarts a person carries.

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

This book shines a positive light on science in really highlighting one of the major components/processes of the body. It encourages kids to want to investigate not only what is around them, but within them as well.

Science Topics

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Maximum Suggested Grade Level