A Rock Is Lively

Yes, this book fosters the development of the processes of classification and observation. Throughout the book, there are multiple stopping points in which a teacher could ask students questions about different facts they had just read, e.g. What kind of monuments and sculptures were crafted out of rock? (Mt. Rushmore, Pyramids of Giza).

• Author: Dianna Hutts Aston
• Illustrator: Sylvia Long
• Year Published: 2012
• ISBN: 1452145555

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book is all about how rocks are made, the different types of rocks, and accumulations of different facts all about rocks. The elaborate illustrations along with the poetic text create a beautiful, insightful book all about rocks.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book fosters the development of the processes of classification and observation. Throughout the book, there are multiple stopping points in which a teacher could ask students questions about different facts they had just read, e.g. What kind of monuments and sculptures were crafted out of rock? (Mt. Rushmore, Pyramids of Giza).

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

The text in the book corresponds highly with the illustrations. If students have questions about the rocks depicted in the pictures, they can easily find the answers throughout the text and vice versa.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book is very straight forward in that it seems to explicitly inform the reader about rocks, but there are moments in the text that allow for students to reflect on what they've read and connect the reading/facts to their own lives (e.g. What else can be made from rocks that I don't know about?).

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

The content of the book (rocks) are addressed in ways that are appropriate to any science lesson.

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

The content throughout the book all seems to be based on sound scientific principles. The book takes the readers through the steps of how rocks are made in different settings (space, Earth, etc.), what they are made out of (minerals), what they are and were used for, and everything in between. I'm not a rock expert, but the content throughout the book is defined by scientific discoveries.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is factual, so there's no need to distinguish between fact and fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations throughout this book are remarkable. The precise detail that went into every picture on each page is captivating to readers, and the eye is immediately drawn to the elaborate colors and realistic drawings.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the book seems appropriate for students grades K-3. The repetitive sentences that start with, "The rock is...," along with the elaborate illustrations are beneficial to younger students such as grade K. For older students grade 1-3, a lot of the vocabulary throughout the text serves as a spark for deep thinking.

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

Throughout the book, there are mentions of "ancient people" and historical monuments, but no one person/culture is address specifically. The book is also free from stereotyping because there are no people/cultures directly represented throughout the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

In one section of the book, monuments of "David," "Mt. Rushmore," and "Mother and Child" are drawn to show the reader how artists chiseled these pieces of artwork from rock. Since both genders represented and not directly addressed in the text, the book seems to be free from gender bias.

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

There is a history component in the book that mentions "ancient people" and historic artifacts that shows a close association to the science content. The book also makes insightful connections between rocks and what they can and have been used for (e.g. making glass, toothpaste, pencils, paper, as well as how animal use them).

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

This book definitely portrays a positive attitude towards science and technology. The book discusses rocks with such liveliness and enthusiasm towards geology. Technology is also positively characterized by the incredible monuments, sculptures, and ancient manmade weapons illustrated in the book.