Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer

The book characterizes the mind behind the technology that we use in our everyday life. This is a great intro into how students can impact the world years in the future.

• Author: Diane Stanley
• Illustrator: Jessie Hartland
• Year Published: 2016
• ISBN: 978-1481452496

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

A hundred years before the dawn of the digital age, Ada Lovelace envisioned the computer-driven world we know today. And in demonstrating how the machine would be coded, she wrote the first computer program. She would go down in history as Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer. Diane Stanley’s lyrical writing and Jessie Hartland’s vibrant illustrations capture the spirit of Ada Lovelace and bring her fascinating story vividly to life.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book characterizes the mind behind the technology that we use in our everyday life. This is a great intro into how students can impact the world years in the future.

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

Yes, students are able to discuss how other accomplished scientists were able to find and solve problems that they see in their world.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book would encourage students to think outside the box, just because something is not possible in the present does not mean that there is no way to make it possible in the future.

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

Technology is approached from one of the founding inventors and how they became curious from their daily life.

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

The book is a discussion on how the Ada Lovelace created the code we know use in all our computers. Through a biography, her life and accomplishments are shown through literature.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, the book takes a fiction fun approach to the character of Ada, but all events are based on factual information.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations clearly show Ada and illustrate the events of her life in an accurate way.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the book is written in a way to inform the reader on the events of Ada Lovelace's life.

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

The book discusses the culture of the Ada and her life in Britain. Though in a discussion with your class, you can address how her work has effected the world's culture at large.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free of gender stereotypes, and even one could argue that it breaks some of those gender bias because Ada was alive when women were not seen as credible scientists by the main population.

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

Yes, this book could easily be used in language arts on a study of biographies. Interdisciplinary and allows students to learn more about historical figures.

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

Yes, students will be encouraged to act on their imagination and keep trying new things.