First Biographies: Marie Curie

No, this in an early reader biography.  It is a short book about Marie Curie, her life, how she became a famous scientist and what she is known for.

• Author: Lola M. Schaefer and Wyatt Schaefer
• Year Published: 2005
• ISBN: 9780736820844

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

This book describes the life of famous scientist Marie Curie. It includes photographs to scaffold early readers. It includes a glossary, table of contents, read more, internet sites and index/word list sections of the book.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

No, this in an early reader biography.  It is a short book about Marie Curie, her life, how she became a famous scientist and what she is known for.

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

Yes, if there is a question of vocabulary they have a glossary.  Also, it would be helpful in answering any research questions on Marie Curie.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

No, it allows them to research and learn about a famous scientist in history.  They are reading facts about her life.  However, they may come up with questions after they read.

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

In the lesson of a famous scientist, yes.  If students are looking up a famous scientist and what they are famous for, it would be appropriate.  It is specifically aimed towards young readers as well.

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

It is based on facts of Marie Curie's life.  It is based on her discovery of Radium.  It also discusses her experiments and how it could be used.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, the book does not explicitly distinguish the difference.  However, it does state that it is a biography which is known to be fact-based.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, they are actual photographs of Marie Curie.  They also have captions to detail what is happening in the photo.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

It is written for young readers.  I would use it in a 1st grade or even 2nd-grade classroom and allow them to read it.  It could also be read aloud to kindergarten students for science.  It has a glossary at the end to go over the difficult words.

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

No, there is no multicultural component.  It is about a polish woman.  It does not go into detail about culture.

Is the book free from gender bias?

It is fact based on a woman though, that is an important component to point out.

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

It shows an association between science and reading.  They have to acknowledge that it is a biography and so it is fact-based.

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

No, there is no technology component in the book.