About The Foods You Eat

The book fosters development of numerous science processes. For example, it invites students to make observations on the illustrations/diagrams provided. It allows students to make predictions and even try some of the basic experiments provided to interpret data. Some of the experiments require mathematical procedures that develops their math ability.

• Author: Seymour Simon
• Illustrator: Dennis Kendrick
• Year Published: 1979
• ISBN: 007057457

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 6th Grade

Summary

This book presents information about nutrients in food, good and bad diets, and the effects of different diets and foods on weight, energy, and general health. Also discusses how cooking affects the nutrients in food. It is written at a juvenile level.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book fosters development of numerous science processes. For example, it invites students to make observations on the illustrations/diagrams provided. It allows students to make predictions and even try some of the basic experiments provided to interpret data. Some of the experiments require mathematical procedures that develops their math ability.

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

The book provides an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. For example, the book starts off by asking the reader questions about the foods they eat and if they have ever eaten pizza, spaghetti, hamburgers or eggs. The book then asks the reader how their body digests the food. This allows the reader to critically think and do some research for themselves.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages children to think for themselves since our body reacts different to the foods we consume. This allows the reader to think about what they eat and how they can change their diet to live a healthier life style. Lastly, it elicits their thinking by asking them to perform experiments.

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

The science topic is addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson. For example, the teacher can incorporate this book for a health lesson that focuses on educating kids on nutrients and our digestive system. He/she can also use this book to lead a discussion on how to make healthier food choices. The activity is given to you in the book and it does not require a lot of time or resources.

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

The content is based on sound scientific principles. It is aim to educate young students on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. It provided scientific terms about the body and the information is accurate. The labels on the illustrations allow the reader to navigate through the text easier and construct meaning better.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction because all the information provided is true. It includes facts that children can understand. Also, the experiments are realistic and they can be perform at any time. The only "fiction" part of this book are some of the food illustrations since the serving size  illustrated is not to scale.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate. They are labeled to help the student decode words. Some of the illustrations can tell you the message being conveyed without having to read the text. Overall, they are accurate even if they are just pictures somebody drew.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at the level of my students since it includes illustrations and a definition for key words like organs of the body. The experiments provided are aim for their grade level since they do not require adult supervision or spending money to buy the supplies. Lastly, this book asks questions that students can connect to and relate to their every day life.

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

There is not a multicultural component since the foods presented are what someone would call "American". In a way, there is some stereotyping since burgers and pizza is associated with getting you "fat" when in reality there are some burgers and pizza (vegetarian/vegan) that don't get you "fat".

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias. The examples provided include both males and females and the experiments are create to be performed by both. There are no bias statements against either gender.

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

The book shows the close association between science and other disciplines like physical education, math and healthy life styles. This is crucial because not only are students developing literacy skills, but they are also encouraged to stay physically active, keep record and analyze what they eat, and make life choices that are going to be beneficial for them.

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

The book presents a positive attitude toward science. It is not a persuasive text that lowers the self-esteem of overweight students. On the other hand, it simply provides information to raise awareness about the impact certain foods can have in our body and ways to make modifications. Lastly, it does not include a technology component.