Dinosaur Days

This book fosters classification and hypothesizing. For classification, most of the information provides students different ideas of ways to classify species, such as size, diets, and physical characteristics like duck-bills or spikes. For hypothesizing, the author makes it clear that there is still very much we don't know for certain about dinosaurs, and when she discusses these, she provides different ideas or hypotheses for what the answer could be.

• Author: Joyce Milton
• Illustrator: Richard Roe
• Year Published: 1985
• ISBN: 0-394-087023-9

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book gives a brief history of the dinosaurs. It gives the names of some of the well-known species, discusses characteristics of dinosaurs like color and eggs, and talks about how they dies out.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book fosters classification and hypothesizing. For classification, most of the information provides students different ideas of ways to classify species, such as size, diets, and physical characteristics like duck-bills or spikes. For hypothesizing, the author makes it clear that there is still very much we don't know for certain about dinosaurs, and when she discusses these, she provides different ideas or hypotheses for what the answer could be.

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

Yes, because of the hypothesis questions, and because there isn't always a reason given behind information. For example, the author mentions how eggs varied in size, but doesn't say why, which children could guess or think about. They also mention that we don't for sure what color dinosaurs were but that they assume most of them were green and brown, which students could also think about and ask questions about.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does encourage children to think for themselves. Once again, this is due to the many unanswered questions that are presented, but left open-ended. The book does not present itself as an unquestionable authority on the subject, allowing children to think and make up their own minds.

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

This would be appropriate to read at the beginning of a lesson. It is appropriate because it has a useful, narrow focus on the topic of dinosaurs, but covers a wide range of topics related to dinosaurs. This allows you to make it appropriate for any dinosaur lesson.

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

The content is based on certain scientific principles, like being critical. It does this by pointing out when something is not a known fact, but just something debated. This also helps them to preserve accuracy. However, I would also say this book is not very 'accurate' because it doesn't give many specifics. It says dinosaurs lived 'millions' of years ago, and ate 'lots' of plants. A lot of the language is very vague in this way.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not directly distinguish between fact or fiction. However, it is more of an informational book, rather than a narrative, so the reader would assume everything presented is fact. In addition, they indirectly make the distinction by clearly pointing out when they are only speculating on something that is not known for certain.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are very clear. They are directly related to what is being said in the sentences. The style is a watercolor-type sketch.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book was specifically written for elementary grade students, specifically in the first through third grades. The font is large, well-spaced, and the sentences are short. The vocabulary is also pointed out and the pronunciation is emphasized.

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

There is not any stereotyping, as no cultures or locations are mentioned or pictures. However, because of this reason, there is also no multicultural component. Technically, it could be considered stereotyping or narrow-viewed of the dinosaurs, since it only presents their most well-known traits.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, there are no genders specifically mentioned in this book. All dinosaurs are referred to by their name only. No humans are mentioned either, so there's no gender bias related to humans or animals.

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

This book does show an association with language arts and history, but I would not say a very close or strong one. The language arts comes from a close attention to vocabulary and reading level in this book, making it a good one to use during a guided reading lesson, possibly. With history, the book pays some attention to the time period of the dinosaurs and the order of which ones came earlier or later.

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

The book shows a positive attitude toward science. Many sentences end in an exclamation mark, as if to show how excited and interested the author is in the topic. However, there is no technology mentioned or used in the book, so it's not a very positive technology attitude.