Children's Science Book Database

My Senses Collection: My Nose

The book encourages students to investigate how we use our senses in every day life. The student can use their skills of observation to see where they use their sense of smell and how it is used to benefit them.
  • Author: Ovidio Ortega Reyes
  • Illustrator: Celeste González Rivas
  • Year Published: 2008
  • ISBN: 978-99924-67-15-2

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This book tells why we have a nose and describes all of the different functions of a nose. It also shows the different events in life where our noses are used.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book encourages students to investigate how we use our senses in every day life. The student can use their skills of observation to see where they use their sense of smell and how it is used to benefit them.

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

Yes. The book introduces a function of the nose with a statement to which the student could question for a specific example. On the page after each statement the book provides an example that would answer that question.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

To a certain extent. The book does make personal connections to the use of noses. This could prompt students to make personal connections to how they use their noses and their sense of smell in their own lives.

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

Yes. The book explicitly addresses the sense of smell. It is appropriate for younger grades because of the large pictures and real life examples for how the sense of smell is used in every day life.

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

The information provided about sense of smell in this book is based on what we can observe from every day life and scientific fact. However, some of the statements in the book are obviously opinion based, which is not from any sound scientific principles. I do think that element is okay for the younger grade levels because students at that age need personal connections. It is balanced out by providing facts about the sense of smell and noses.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Not directly. The book is illustrated with photographs of real children and the topics addressed are only in real life situations. The aspect of fiction is not addressed here.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. The real life pictures clearly illustrate the concept that is being discussed. I like that the illustrations are pictures and not cartoons because it reinforces the fact that the sense of smell is used in every day experiences that the readers have.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. It is a little below some of my current second grade readers but would be great for lower readers because of the small volume of text.

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

This book was written by an author from Nicaragua. It includes pictures of children from Nicaragua. This is great for young students to understand that children in other countries are not entirely different. We all have similar experiences with our senses no matter where we live. I don't think this book stereotypes the people portrayed because the author is portraying his own people. He is showing what their lives really look like.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Boys and girls seem to be equally shown in the illustrations. The activities the children are shown doing do not contribute to any gender stereotypes.

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

This book shows the connection between a scientific concept, our sense of smell, and the processes that we go through in every day life. There are some cultural and emotional aspects shown in the book that shows science is a part of our personal lives.

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

Yes. Towards the end of the book it brings up the point that many of our fondest memories are connected to a smell. It shows how we rely on our senses and how important they are.