Journey to the Haunted Planet

This book does not foster the development of processes. It is a completely fictitious story and does not lend itself to scientific inquiry.

• Author: Wayne Anderson
• Illustrator: A. J. Wood
• Year Published: 1995
• ISBN: 0694008125

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 6th Grade

Summary

This book is about a Professor and his two grandchildren who go on an intergalactic adventure in outer space. The adventure begins is the Professor's homemade rocket and soon they are off course and land on a haunted planet filled with ghosts and aliens.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book does not foster the development of processes. It is a completely fictitious story and does not lend itself to scientific inquiry.

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

This book does not provide children the opportunity to ask and answer their own questions. Children could question whether the story is plausible.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does not encourage children to think for themselves.

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

Science topics such as planet distance and fossils are mentioned in the book, but not in ways that are appropriate to lessons. If anything, children could question the truth of the things presented in the book.

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

The content is not based on sound scientific principle and is not accurate. The book claims a Professor built a homemade rocket and took it into space with his grandchildren and dog. It claims they could make it to Pluto in a few hours. It talks about ghosts and haunted planets.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not distinguish between fact and fiction. The book is entirely fictitious.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations, while holographic and amusing, are not at all accurate.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is written at the level of early childhood elementary students.

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

There is no multicultural component to the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias. It presents a young boy and girl exploring space together with their grandfather.

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

The book has no relation to other disciplines.

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

The book presents a neutral, and inaccurate, perception of science and technology. The events that transpired in the book are not at all plausible.