Oscar and the Bird, A book about electricity

Yes, in the back of the book, it even shows the steps how Oscar explores electricity. From knowing the meaning and products of electricity, how it works, and what is it made from. The book was very organized.

Author: Geoff Waring
Illustrator: Geoff Waring
Year Published: 2008
ISBN: 9780763653026

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

3rd Grade

Summary

"Oscar is a curious kitten. In the field, he is full of questions about electricity. Luckily, bird knows the answers! With the help of his friend, Oscar finds out which machines need electricity to work and how electricity is made and stored."

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: Medium
Accuracy: High
Liteary Artistry: Medium
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?

Yes. The book provides opportunities for children to ask and answer their own questions by the quotations, which the conversations between the characters. The characters learned things from the questions. This means the students also able to learn stuff from these questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book encourages children to think for themselves. Many of the scenes shows the realities of how electricity works. This helps students to make connection to their lives.

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

The science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson. The book is a great introduction for electricity. Such as read aloud at the beginning of the lesson to give students a sense of this topic.

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

The content is based on sound scientific principles. It is very clear of the information about electricity. Also the quotations show the sound scientific principle. It is accurate because the answers from the character is very directed.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book distinguishes between fact and fiction. Because the cat and bird wouldn't know how to talk. But the information that they discussed about are the facts of electricity.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate. Because of the model of how electricity works: circuit. Also the example of power station, wind turbines, and different batteries.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This is a picture book. We think that it is good to read to age 4 and up students. For instance, our first and third grade classes. The third graders are definitely capable of reading it by themselves. Then it is good for read aloud or introduction for a science lesson for first graders.

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

There isnt much of multicultural components because the author is using the animals to tell the story. But sometimes, people would agree that different animals represent different groups of people.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias. The bird is a girl, and the cat is a boy. So there isn't gender stereotypes about science in this book (bird is telling the scientific facts in the story). Also kids may able to place themselves into the roles of the characters because they are animals.

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

The book shows the close association between science and other disciplines. For example, literacy, and art.

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

The book presents a positive attitude toward science and technology. Oscar (cat) is always excited about learning electricity. Bird is full of knowledge to explain the facts of electricity to Oscar.