Mad Margaret Experiments with the Scientific Method

This book definitely fosters development of processes. The characters are trying to solve a mystery, and do so by going through the steps in the scientific method. They ask questions, gather information, form hypotheses, test hypotheses, and share the results. They also communicate as a team.

Author: Eric Braun
Illustrator: Robin Boyden
Year Published: 2012
ISBN: 140487710X

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

5th Grade

Summary

Mad Margaret helps her friend figure out why he always sneezes at another friend's house through using the scientific method. Throughout the story, the kids work together through the process and discover the answer to their problem.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

There are many examples of inquiry in this story, and the book also offers this element for the readers as well. As the characters investigate their mystery throughout the story, there are definitely opportunities for the readers to ask their own questions and form their own thoughts and ideas. The children are trying to discover what makes one of the boys sneeze every time he plays at one of his friend’s houses, and so there are many different things that readers can question as being the cause of the sneezing as they explore the house and potential factors.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

While the characters guide the plot, there are definitely times when children can think for themselves. At every step, there is an opportunity for readers to stop, and formulate their own ideas before progressing further in the book. It still allows children to look at a variety of factors that could be causing the sneezing, and decide in their own mind what they think could be the cause.

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

If you are teaching students a lesson about experimenting and the scientific method, then I believe this book would address this topic very well. The story allows the topic to become relatable for children, but it also does not drift away too far from the lesson, so it could coordinate very well with teaching children how to use the scientific method. It can show them that they can use the scientific method in their every day lives for problem solving or discovering reasoning behinds questions they have.

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

Yes, the content in this book is based on real science. It focuses on the scientific method, which is accurately depicted in the story. It gives good examples of how the scientific method can be used in the real world, and provides a good demonstration of a scenario when children can use inquiry to decipher their questions inside or outside of the classroom.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is definitely factual and accurate; however, the story itself is fiction and the book does not tell the readers this. It is a story that could happen, so it is realistic fiction. The scientific facts presented in the story are correct, but the author does not specifically lay out what is fact, and what is fiction within the text.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

In this story, the illustrations are clear and accurate. The illustrations correlate with the words on the page, and are easy to follow and help understanding. The images are animated, but realistic. They are also very visually appealing, as they are bold, bright, colorful, and while they are not one hundred percent realistic, they illustrations do not have glaring inaccurate aspects. For example, the humans have all correct human qualities, but are not perfect, like how the characters do not have fingernails.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I think this book could be used for a variety of ages, but particularly targeted to children around the ages of 6-10 in my opinion. Younger students might have a hard time understanding the concept of the scientific method, but could still enjoy the story. Older students would understand the scientific method in the story, but the book might lean on the side of being too easy, and they could possibly see the scientific method in a more sophisticated format.

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

Yes there is a multicultural component in this story. There are three main characters, and all three have different skin colors and appear to be different races. There is no stereotyping in this book. All three characters are equal, and there are no stereotypes in the characters based off of their skin color or culture.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, this book is free from gender bias. The main character, “Mad Margaret”, is a girl, and the child she is helping is a boy, and they go to another girl’s house. There are no gender stereotypes, and no gender bias’. All three characters are portrayed as smart equals, who are all on the same mission together.

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

While this book is mostly about science, it could be used as a book to read to a class and incorporate prediction and inferring, which are useful skills for reading in any area. This book could also be used for a prompt for a writing workshop assignment or creative writing activity where the students could create a similar story of their own.

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

This book definitely presents a positive attitude towards science and technology. All of the characters are very optimistic, and great problem solvers. They make science look fun, interesting, active, and applicable to everyday life. The book does a very good job of portraying the children using the scientific method, while maintaining a lighthearted and energetic feel.