More Science In Action: Mind and Perception

This book fosters development of processes. It allows children to create hypotheses, test them, measure them and then interpret them. Lastly, it allows children to compare their evidence-based conclusions with those provided in the book.

Author: Laura Buller and Ron Taylor
Illustrator: John Hutchinson and Stan North
Year Published: 1990
ISBN: 1854353101

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

8th Grade

Summary

This book will help you learn more about science and technology. It includes experiments, projects, puzzles, and even some tricks. Some of the experiments and projects are very easy while others are a little harder that will require help from a teacher or parent.

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?

This book provides an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. Children are provided with a brief explanation about a certain event (earth, physical, life, space) and then they are asked to model it through a project. Students are given an opportunity to pose questions and test the validity of them.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages children to think for themselves. They are given instructions on how to perform the experiment but students then have to come up with their own conclusions. Not only are they staying cognitively and physically active, but they are continuing to develop science processes and metacognitive skills.

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

The various science topics offered in the book are addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson. They are based on real life scenarios and experiments performed by scientists. This book also provides factual information along with an experiment that is relevant to the topic.

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

The content is based on sound scientific principles. For example, this book puts an emphasis on forces of nature, habitats and environments, mind and perception, earth and space, and calculation and chance. Every fact and piece of information provided is accurate because it was tested prior before releasing experiments.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction because all the information is based on evidence-based conclusions using theories, laws, and facts. It is obvious that nothing is fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate because they reflect real-life objects, people, and events. Also, the illustrations are made clear and precise so that students can match their experiment to that of the book. They guide you step-by-step on how to perform the experiment.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at different levels allowing children from different academic levels to perform them. This is important because it challenges children who are below grade level as well as those who are above grade level. The book proves a glossary at the end with the major science key terms so students can know what they are.

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

There is no multicultural component and it is free from stereotyping. It does not provide one correct way or answer to a problem. It gives students an opportunity to question certain aspects about science and construct their own knowledge and information through fun inquiries.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias. Everyone is encouraged to perform the tasks despite the difficulty level. Furthermore, there is no experiment that is solely aim for males or females.

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

This book shows the close association between science and other disciplines. It encourages children to stay physically active, develop literacy skills, and make calculations. Furthermore, it encourages students to have process oriented conversations and develop communication skills with their peers, teachers, and parents.

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

This book presents a positive attitude toward science and technology. It encourages students to try a variety of projects using their own inquiry strategies and take ownership of their learning and conclusions. Lastly, it encourages students to have fun while learning and use small scale models to grasp major components of science.