It’s Snowing!

Yes, the book fosters the processes of observation and prediction. The students must look at the detailed pictures and captions to study what it happening. The captions in particular are helpful ways to promote observation because they add important details about what is being explained on that page. Students would be able to make predictions of what will happen next in the process of water becoming snow or places that snow is more likely to fall.

• Author: Gail Gibbons
• Year Published: 2011
• ISBN: 0000078923679

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 8th Grade

Summary

Snowflakes fall from the sky. It's snowing! This book talks about the process water goes through to become snow. Starting with evaporation, it then goes into detail about how the water crystalizes and falls. It discusses where on Earth it snows and different types of snow. Lastly, it discusses blizzards, what they are and how to stay safe during them.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters the processes of observation and prediction. The students must look at the detailed pictures and captions to study what it happening. The captions in particular are helpful ways to promote observation because they add important details about what is being explained on that page. Students would be able to make predictions of what will happen next in the process of water becoming snow or places that snow is more likely to fall.

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

This book could evoke many questions from a child due to its very detailed structure. For instance, if a student were to ask "What happens after the snow crystalizes?" or "Are there other types of snow?" through further reading of the story and captions the student would be able to figure out the answer to their question.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes. It encourages students to "go outside and..." or "look..." in reference to learning about the snow they could encounter. Those are the only references to students thinking for themselves, but with all of the information built into this book it would make a student think more broadly and deeply about snow and water for themselves.

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

The content is appropriate to the lesson.

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

Yes, the content is based on sound scientific principles. There is a wealth of detailed information on each page.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is factual so there is no need to distinguish. While there are pages that talk about the ways people play in snow, it is just a factual report of different activities people play. In addition, the author does talk about the snow being "beautiful" and "peaceful" which are opinions, but it does not take away from the factual nature of the book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are beautiful and aid in the understanding of the process water goes through to become snow. The size of some snowflakes are exaggerated to be able to see detail, but are still accurate overall in shape and the size exaggeration is noted in the book.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, it is appropriate for grades 3-8. While it could be more difficult for a third grader based on the sheer amount of information, it is all information they would cognitively be able to understand. Because of the detail it goes into, especially on the "more snow" page at the back of the book, it is appropriate for up to 8th grade.

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

There are no characters in the book, but the illustrations show people with different skin tones throughout the book. Still, I would not call it a true multicultural component. It is free from stereotyping because there is no mention of cultures or even individual people.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias. There are both men and women represented in the illustrations.

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

There is little direct connection made between science and the other disciplines. However, there is a page that discusses how snow is useful to plants and animals as well as a couple of pages that go over water becoming colder and freezing. The first example touches on the topic of life science without directly saying so and the second is covered under physical science, particularly chemistry. While there is no direct mention of a change of state of matter, that is what was occurring.

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

Yes, it presents a positive attitude toward science and technology. It makes science interesting and connects it to real life to get the reader engaged. There is not much discussion of technology, though it is mentioned to take pictures of snowflakes and report the weather.