Archibald Frisby

Although this book is about a boy that loves science more than anything, it does not allow students to foster development of any scientific processes. It does not allow students to observe, classify, or measure anything. It does show students Archibald doing some of these processes, but never a chance for students to foster them.

• Author: Michael Chesworth
• Illustrator: Michael Chesworth
• Year Published: 1996
• ISBN: 0374404364

Science Topics

• Space Science
• Earth Science
• Physical Science
• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

Archibald Frisby is a smart boy who loves science. He has a unique way of looking at the world. He looks at everything with Science in mind. He goes to summer camp, and learns that there is more to life than science.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Although this book is about a boy that loves science more than anything, it does not allow students to foster development of any scientific processes. It does not allow students to observe, classify, or measure anything. It does show students Archibald doing some of these processes, but never a chance for students to foster them.

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

This book is a simple picture book about a boy that loves science. It does not allow students to answer their own questions or ask any of their own. I think that this book could have had small text boxes throughout the book for questions that the students could answer and ask.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I do not think this book encourages students to think for themselves. The story follows Archibald Frisby in his day to day life, and his adventures at the summer camp. This book could have had many opportunities to allow students to think for themselves.

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

I am not sure what type of lesson that this book could be used in. I think that this book could be used to get students more excited about Science. I think that that would be the only way for teachers to use this book in any sort of lesson. It could be a fun one to use as a read aloud for younger students.

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

This book does not have a wealth of scientific facts and scientific principles. There are a few pages where there are blueprints and diagrams of appliances that are taken apart. These pictures look accurate from what I can see, but overall there is not much content based on sound scientific principles.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is most definitely all fiction. It is the fictional tale of a boy, Archibald Frisby, who loves science more than anything else. His mom sends him to summer camp, where he learns to incorporate his love for science in other things like baseball and treasure hunts.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are very clear and accurate. There are not many scientific illustrations throughout the book, there are only a few scientific figures like the blueprint and the formula for baseball swing. Overall I think that the illustrations are very good for the book.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I used this book in a lesson for a fourth grader, and I think it was a good level for her. She was able to read the book on her own. The book uses some vocabulary that would be challenging for students under 4th grade, but it might be able to used for a read aloud.

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

This book does not have a multicultural component. I do believe that it is free from stereotyping though. Although the main character is Caucasian, there is diversity with the other children in the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I think there may be a bit of gender bias in this book, since it is a boy that is the main character who loves science so much. He goes to a camp that looks like there is a majority of boys at. I think that if the main character was a girl it would be a very good book to get girls to love science.

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

I do not believe that this book shows an association between science and other disciplines. It is simply about a boy that loves science. He does not show any love for any other subjects.

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

This book does present a positive attitude towards science. I think it is good book to use to have students gain a positive attitude towards science. It does not have any focus on technology, but I think if it was published more recently it would.