Jump Into Science: Moon

Yes, it does. Part of the book talks about the way craters form in the moon and the earth and how they are different and form in different ways. There is also an activity in the back of the book to make your own craters that goes along with this process.

• Author: Steve Tomecek
• Illustrator: Liisa Chauncy Guida
• Year Published: 2008
• ISBN: 978-1-4263-0250-3

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

This is a book published by National Geographic Kids with everything you need to know about the moon. It goes through the history of what people have thought about the moon, what the surface of the moon is like and why, how it is different from the earth, the phases of the moon, the moon landing, etc.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, it does. Part of the book talks about the way craters form in the moon and the earth and how they are different and form in different ways. There is also an activity in the back of the book to make your own craters that goes along with this process.

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

I think this book allows children to make some predictions before telling them the answers. It is primarily an informational text so much of the writing is delivery of facts. It goes through so much about the moon , however, it is possible children will have questions before that point is reached in the book. In this way, the teacher can ask for questions and set them up to be answered by the book, but not through investigation.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I would not say that this book encourages children to think for themselves. There is little left to inquire about after reading this book. Also, since it is telling students facts about the moon, there is little to question.

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

This book covers so much about the moon it may be too much at once. I think it would be best used if read to students in chunks that go with the lesson they are doing that day. It is long and if all the information is given at once they may miss things or become overwhelmed. It has, however, very "kid-friendly" language and goes through many interesting things about the moon.

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

Yes, this book is very accurate. It has many diagrams, which are labeled and say that they are not to scale. It also has some historical information. It is from a reliable source, so I think that it is safe to say that the information is accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

It does not explicitly discuss fact versus fiction. However, there is no fictional information in this book, only facts and information.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. They illustrations that are diagrams and models are clear and accurate. Some images are exaggerated, and none of them are to scale. However, the illustrations are colorful and engaging and have a cat character through out that I think kids would enjoy.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. The language of the book is great for kids. It is straightforward and easy to understand. There is not too much writing on each page and the text matches the illustration on that page. I think it could be read to a younger student and and older student could read it themselves.

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

There is no multicultural component in this book, since it is entirely facts about the moon. The only character is an illustrated cat, and it does not talk about any kind of stereotypes in the text.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, this book does not reference gender. It does talk about Lance Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin and the moon landing, so perhaps it would be more inclusive to include women who have made discoveries about the moon in some way. The illustrated character through out the book is a gender neutral cat.

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

This book has several pages of historical information about Galileo and the moon landing. It talks about discoveries of things about the moon over the course of time. However, history is the only subject it integrates. Everything else in the book is science related.

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

Yes, it does. It talks about scientific discovery in a positive way and talks about how scientist may discover more about the moon in the future. The colorful illustrations create a positive feel as well and make it more accessible to kids.