Darwin

It shows students the importance of investigating and asking questions like Charles Darwin did, and that this leads to discovery and knowledge of the developmental process used in science. By having the students read a book that presents the novelty and importance of discovering new things and asking questions they are learning the doing of science. This book allows students to get to know a scientist and the art of science while also instilling the importance of asking questions to form your own conclusions.

• Author: Alice B. McGinty
• Illustrator: Mary Azarían
• Year Published: 2009
• ISBN: 9780618995318

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

This book travels through the life of Charles Darwin using letters and journal entires that he himself wrote during his life. We learn where he came from and what lead him to his discoveries and love of science.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

It shows students the importance of investigating and asking questions like Charles Darwin did, and that this leads to discovery and knowledge of the developmental process used in science. By having the students read a book that presents the novelty and importance of discovering new things and asking questions they are learning the doing of science. This book allows students to get to know a scientist and the art of science while also instilling the importance of asking questions to form your own conclusions.

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

Yes, the presentation of the book as information allows the reader to learn more about the life of Charles Darwin without having his beliefs imposed upon them. They are free to take it as they like and form their own conclusions with what they know and have read from the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages children to discover new things and form their own conclusions. The presentation of Charles as a child also allows for the children to feel close to the scientist and able to do science themselves. They see the growth and knowledge he gained by thinking for himself and they are inspired to do so as well.

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

Yes, science in this book is addressed as the process of asking questions, doing experiments and making discoveries from the theories and hypothesis made during those experiments. By showing the students his letters, and in so doing his thoughts, they are better to able follow his thought process and discoveries during his voyages and experiments.

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

Yes, this book speaks about real discoveries that were made by Charles Darwin. It also uses real letters and journal entries to show the journeys and discoveries that Darwin made. There are principals such as evolution that are discussed in the book.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Most of the information in the book is taken from real journal entires and letters that Darwin wrote. There are notes at the end of the book citing each quote in the book. It also gives an internet recourse that is the complete work of Charles Darwin online. These resources verify the fact in the information used in the book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes the illustrations are very well done. Each illustration depicts a scene that corresponds exactly with the text on the page that it is on or adjacent to. The letters, which are also illustrations are a bot difficult to read as they are written in script form but overall they are not too hard to decipher.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the class I am currently interning in is a third grade class. This book is at a level that would be appropriate for them to read by themselves or in a pair. For younger students it would still make a very informational and entertaining read aloud.

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

The book is not really multicultural as it only talks about the life of Darwin whom is not necessarily so bicultural. It also does not introduce any other culture ir peoples from different countries in its presentation. However, it does include the different places Darwin visited.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I do not believe that this book is free from gender bias. The only woman mentioned in the book is Darwin's wife and she is merely mentioned when they mention his children and the fact that he was married. All other mention of scientists and researchers are also men.

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

This book shows the importance of the component of writing, and by extent language arts, to science. There is much importance placed on the letters and observations Darwin wrote in regards to his discoveries in science. It does not talk much about the math involved in his science however.

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

Yes, the book impresses the importance of learning and discovery through experiments and science. Darwin's story give students a view into the life of a scientist and at the same time a sense of closeness to him and his journey of discovery in science. In this way they are able to put themselves in his position and see themselves as scientists as well and also give them an interest in science that they will want to pursue.