Magic school bus: kicks up a storm

Yes, this book fosters development of processes as they occur in the natural world. I think It becomes deeper and deeper page by page helping develop levels of inquiry that allow readers to make different connections.

• Author: Joanna Cole
• Illustrator: Bruce Degen
• Year Published: 2000
• ISBN: 0439102758

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

this book is about weather. It has an exciting story, but also does a good job of discussing what makes our weather and the difference of what is happening high up in the sky versus what is happening down on the ground. It also offers safety tips about what to do in a thunderstorm and how to tell how far away a thunderstorm is from where you are.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book fosters development of processes as they occur in the natural world. I think It becomes deeper and deeper page by page helping develop levels of inquiry that allow readers to make different connections.

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

yes i think this book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions because this book's setting is school, and they might have same myth and same ideas about weather. they might agree with character in the book and they can answer their questions and they might ask their own questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

i think this book encourage children to think for themselves. The children will enjoy the silly events, but also really learn about what happens with weather. The illustrations help to give the reader information they need as well as make the story easy to follow.

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

This is a good book that details weather and appropriate to the lesson. I think it would be best if this book were read to students. I think they would get a better understand that way. I think that 4th and 5th graders can read this book on their own for pleasure. But when developing an understand of weather, I think this book should be read to students.

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

it is the content based on sound scientific principles and it is very accurate because the material is clear and through in sound and accurate scientific principles. It is well thought out and well researched information intertwined in a highly effective manner.  

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

yes this book distinguish between fact and fiction, because the magic school bus allows the students to do certain things, in this case, fly. as they go through the air, different the reader about weather without simply stating facts.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

yes the illustrations clear and accurate it helps to give the reader information they need as well as make the story easy to follow. also, it helps what is happening at that moment and helps better understanding. illustrations helps students visualize how clouds are formed, without being told.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

i think it will be struggle to understand this book because there are lots of science terms and vocabulary that hard to understand the story. also, there is lots of text in the book, students are takes too long time to read book.

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

no.. i don't think there is not a multicultural component to this book and free of stereotyping.    

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias. i believe the characters that are included are a male and female.

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

yes. this book show the close association between science and other disciplines. Children will learn about the weather, but also how to stay safe in dangerous weather, This is a great book to help children understand this topic and be entertained at the same time.

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

yes, this book present a positive attitude toward science. it would be helpful when discussing certain topics that may be tricky to cover in the classroom. it uses real weather terms, and real weather situations to present materials that my not be interesting in other ways to children.