Bubbles Float, Bubbles Pop

Yes this book fosters the processes of prediction and observation. The students must look at the text in order to make sense of the incredible photographs that are included. The text itself uses strong science vocabulary, but uses it in an accessible way.

• Author: Mark Weakland
• Illustrator: N/A
• Year Published: 2011
• ISBN: 978-1-4296-5250-6

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

This book is all about bubbles. It goes through all of the different types of bubbles, from the ones in a bathtub to the ones under the sea. If you're wondering what a bubble is, then this text would be perfect for you. The properties of bubbles and where they can be found are all chronicled in this fun and informational book.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes this book fosters the processes of prediction and observation. The students must look at the text in order to make sense of the incredible photographs that are included. The text itself uses strong science vocabulary, but uses it in an accessible way.

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

This book asks questions within the text, and it also provides ample opportunities for children to pose their own questions. For example, if a student looked at the picture of a bubble that is reflection the image of a child, they may have a lot of questions about how that happens and why that happens, which could lead into a whole other lesson and discussion. Each page presents an image that could inspire a multitude of questions and wonderings.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

It encourages students to observe the pictures carefully and to think about how the images relate back to the factual text that is included besides it. This connection between the two lets them grapple with the concepts of bubbles and how they are formed, and what they are.

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

The content included is appropriate to any lesson that revolves around bubbles, or even animals that produce bubbles themselves. There are a lot of avenues that this book can be used to introduce an exploration, or it can be used as a stand alone read aloud.

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

Yes, it is very accurate. The vocabulary that is used may be a little advanced for the target or suggested age range, but the author included a very basic and easy to navigate glossary, which is helpful for students who may be confused on some of the word choices. Both the text and the images are all scientifically sound.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book itself is 100% factual, and therefore there is no real need to explain or differentiate between whats real and what is not. The author incorporates ways that students can see or create their own bubbles throughout their lives, and this would be the only content that I wouldn't call exactly factual, but rather a suggestion.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the photographs are very clear, engaging, and accurate. The extreme detail that is captured within each photo will definitely help the students to make sense of the text and factual information that is incorporated throughout the book. It will also help to answer questions as they are reading.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this text could be read by most of my second grade students, however, they may need some help with the scientific words they have not yet learned. The amount of information given throughout the book is very manageable and is appropriate for grades K-2, but I think any age child would enjoy it and learn something.

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

There are a few children who are pictured in some of the photographs, and they are different ethnicities, and although they don't go into any detail about the people pictured, I would still say that it has a multicultural component. The children are all doing things like blowing bubbles or running with balloons, so there are no stereotypes included in the text.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, this book is free from gender bias. Both girls and boys are included in the photographs, and there is an equal amount of both.

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

There is not a direct or explicit tie into another discipline, but the text could be used to connect math and science. There is some talk throughout the text about the shape of a bubble, a sphere, and the properties that a sphere has. This could be tied into a geometry section of math, or even into a kindergarten lesson where they are learning their shapes.

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

Yes, it presents science and a fun, engaging, and everyday entity, which is encouraging to students and teachers. It presents real-life ways to interact with bubbles and science, making it an excellent book to use in a classroom or home setting.