- This book doesn’t necessarily foster the development of processes, but it opens the doors for the students and engages and interests them, making them want to know more. The next step could be the students researching planets on their own, and that would be because the book peaked their interest.
- Author: Richard Platt
- Illustrator: Leo Hartas
- Year Published: 1999
- ISBN: 0-7894-4284-1
Science Topics
Minimum Suggested Grade Level
Maximum Suggested Grade Level
Summary
Join astronomer Izzy Surespark and rocket buff Norbert Crane in a search for signs of intelligent life in space. Their incredible mission has some surprises in store.Evaluation
- Appropriateness: High
- Authority: High
- Accuracy: High
- Liteary Artistry: High
- Appearance: High
Questions
Does the book foster development of processes?
- This book doesn’t necessarily foster the development of processes, but it opens the doors for the students and engages and interests them, making them want to know more. The next step could be the students researching planets on their own, and that would be because the book peaked their interest.
Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?
- The book may not necessarily propose questions itself, but what it does certainly do is give children enough background information to get interested, and then ask and research their own questions through other means, like online or with other peers and things of that sort.
Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?
- I wouldn’t exactly say that this book encourages children to think for themselves. However, what this book does do is build the foundation for the child’s understanding our solar system and the planets that are in it.
Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?
- I would say that the topics being taught by this book are the planets, our solar system, and our relationship with them. If the lesson being planned were in regards to any of those things, then this book would be a great addition!
Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?
- Yes, the content is based on sound scientific principles seeing as how it is based on the planets and our solar system. The information is incredibly accurate since it is in regards to their location in the solar system, days it takes to rotate, and things of that nature.
Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?
- This book definitely distinguishes between fact and fiction. The fictions aspect of the book is solely to make it more kid friendly. Even though some parts may be fictitious, it is based in fact. An example in this book is when they are talking about gravity and how they portray it.
Are the illustrations clear and accurate?
- The illustrations are accurate, yet at certain points they are not quite so accurate. For example, when this book is showing the inside of a spaceship, it isn't exactly portrayed 100% correctly. However, the good greatly outweighs the bad when it comes to this books representation of the planets, eclipses, satellites and things of the like.
Is the book written at the level of your students?
- Yes, this book is definitely written at the level of my students. On top of this, I can almost guarantee that it would be an incredibly engaging book as well.
Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?
- There is a multicultural component to an extent. Since it is about space, you can only include so many things about cultures, but the main characters are a black girl and her white friend. It isn’t stereotyping, but it isn’t exactly “all inclusive.”
Is the book free from gender bias?
- The book is free of gender bias because the main topic of this book is not related to people at all; it is about planets. However, when conversations between the characters do arise, they are equals and it is as simple as that.
Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?
- Not really. This books main focus is the planets and our solar system, and there is not much more going on aside from that.
Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?
- This book presents an incredibly positive attitude towards science and the little technology that is in the book. This book is showing kids how fun it can be to explore our solar system and how each planet is different and what makes it unique.