Dinosaurs

This book fosters development of process through its content. It provides theories and basic information that children can construct their own knowledge through. Additionally, the illustrations compare what people believe to have been true back then, with our world today.

Author: Daniel Cohen
Illustrator: Jean Zallinger
Year Published: 1986
ISBN: 0-385-23414-7

Summary

In this book with vibrant, colorful illustrations, Daniel Cohen teaches the basics about a variety of dinosaurs. He covers their locations, birthing ways, theories on lifestyles, and much more!

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

The book allows for many questions to be asked. This book was written aimed at children and covers dinosaur lifestyles and information at a basic level. It is an introduction to dinosaurs and can support children as they construct new knowledge and form new questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages independent thinking by providing theories based on evidence we have found in the world today. Children can take the information as is, or add it to their previous knowledge and challenge it.

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

The topic addressed in the book would be appropriate for a lesson on dinosaurs. It introduces basic facts and compares them to life today in order to give us something familiar to work with.

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

Most of the content is what scientists believe to be true based on found evidence and what we know in the world today. From what I have learned about dinosaurs, this book seems to follow an accurate path.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The entire book is informational. There are no fiction parts. The goal of the book is to provide factual information about dinosaurs.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate as we know things about dinosaurs today. They show what is believed to be the appearance of dinosaurs and compare them to animals we know today. Additionally, the illustrations show the environments in which dinosaurs lived.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book has many words, but the information is put at a basic level that elementary student can understand. Additionally, the illustrations help support what is written in the book.

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

There are no people in the book. It isn't multicultural, but I wouldn't say its anti-multicultural because it is all about dinosaurs.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There are no people in the book. It isn't biased on any gender, but I wouldn't say its anti-gender equality because it is all about dinosaurs.

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

It isn't explicitly shown, but there are a lot of years and measurements which can be linked with math. Additionally, this book can be paired with reading and writing as there are many literary components included.

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

The book presents information about dinosaurs in an exciting way! Additionally, it is written at an appropriate level that younger students wouldn't be disengaged because it is too difficult.

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level