Children's Science Book Database

Cactus in the desert

Yes, this book allows the students to read about science, make predictions, make observations, infer and make predictions.
  • Author: Phyllis S. Busch
  • Illustrator: Harriett Barton
  • Year Published: 1979
  • ISBN: 0690002920

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

Cactus in the desert discusses how different plants take in and excrete water. This book focuses specifically on cacti. The book also discusses how different cacti grow, are used and their contribution to the animal kingdom.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book allows the students to read about science, make predictions, make observations, infer and make predictions.

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

Yes, this book could be a catalyst for students to formulate more questions about cacti and other types of trees. These questions could be answered by the student conducting research or an inquiry project.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

No. This book is an informational text written in a way that it is read like a story.

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

Yes, this book would work well with a unit about different types of trees and the environments they live in. It is written in an easy to understand and appropriate academic level for elementary age students grades k-3.

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

Yes, the book is based on sound scientific principles and they are accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not distinguish between fact and fiction. The book is an informational text that discusses the water absorption and secretion of water trees.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are very clear and make understanding the information presented clearer. The illustrations work well for the lesson that this book would be used for.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written well for an audience from grades k-3. It is written in a way that is linguistically easily accessible to my students.

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

It does have a multicultural component. However, it is not free from stereo types and offensive/inaccurate cultural names. For example, the term Indian is used to describe the Native American population.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free of gender bias. Both sexes are present in the book but there is not a bias toward one gender or the other.

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

The book does have a mathematical component. The amount of water trees use and give off is discussed as well as their height and the size of their roots. All of these are given in specific measurements.

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

The book is written in a way the present the scientific concepts with a positive attitude.