Feathers: Not Just for Flying

Yes, this book does foster development of processes by highlighting to students the different purposes that feathers have besides just being used for flying, which helps students to begin to think outside the box and discover what other uses feathers may have. This book does a great job at getting students thinking about the multiuse of feathers and how different feathers from birds can be. 

• Author: Melissa Stewart
• Illustrator: Sarah S. Brannen
• Year Published: 2014
• ISBN: 150894313

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

This book is about exploring a variety of birds' feathers and looking at how these feathers can be used in many different ways that go beyond the typical use of feathers that we think about.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book does foster development of processes by highlighting to students the different purposes that feathers have besides just being used for flying, which helps students to begin to think outside the box and discover what other uses feathers may have. This book does a great job at getting students thinking about the multiuse of feathers and how different feathers from birds can be. 

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

This book does provide opportunities for children to ask and answer their own questions because it gets the readers thinking about how different feathers can be used for a variety of things. This can cause students to ask questions and then develop their own answers based on their prior knowledge as well as using the information that is being presented in the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, this book does a great job at encouraging students to think for themselves. This book helps students to being thinking about the diverse feathers that are in the world, as well as thinking how all these different feathers can be used by the birds. This allows students to really think for themselves and make connections to the book.

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

Yes, the science topic in this book are addressed in way that are appropriate to the lesson. This book does a great job at showcasing a variety of feathers from a variety of birds that may or may not be familiar to the reader. It is a great chance for the reader to learn about new birds and how their feathers are used in multiple ways beyond just flying. This book addresses the lesson of learning about the multiuse feathers can have in a fun and appropriate way for the reader. 

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

 Yes, the content in this book is based on sound scientific principles and the information provided in the text is accurate. This information is presented in a way that is interesting for the reader because the illustrations show real life feathers compared to other feathers and how they can be used in a variety of ways. It is both accurate and interesting information being presented to the reader.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not explicitly distinguish between fact and fiction, because it is an information text and it is based on facts throughout the book. This book presents facts to the reader about different feathers from a variety of birds and the use that these feathers can have in a variety of ways.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations in this book are clear and accurate. The illustrations are very inviting for the reader, which makes the reader want to continue to read and learn more about how feathers can be used in a variety of ways. Also, by the illustrations comparing different feathers to each other I think really helps get the reader engaged and connected to what is being presented to them. The illustrations really tie the book together in presenting information on the feathers and how they can be used.  The illustrations clearly showcase the purpose of the book. 

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is written at the level of the target audience of this book. This book is written in a way that will gives readers high success while reading but it is still interesting and engaging for the students to read and learn about. It is written in a way that invites readers to keep turning the pages and learn more about the different ways feathers can be used.

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

This book does not have a multicultural component to it because it focused solely on birds and particularly their feathers, but it does showcase birds from a variety of places. This book is free of stereotyping because it focuses on birds’ feathers and the many uses these feathers have.

Is the book free from gender bias?

 Yes, this book is free of gender bias because this book focuses on a variety of birds, their feathers, and how birds’ feathers can be used in a variety of ways that go beyond what we typically think the use of feathers is.

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

This book does not show the close association between science and other disciplines, because it pretty much focuses on the science side of looking at birds, their feathers, and the different ways feathers can be used.

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

Yes, this book does present a positive attitude toward science because it presents the scientific information in a way that is engaging and fun for the reader to learn about. It allows for students to have a fun interaction with science, which helps promote a positive attitude toward science.