Raindrops Roll

This book falls short when it comes to fostering development of scientific processes. It could be improved by providing some information that builds and scaffolds students' processes.

• Author: April Pulley Sayre
• Year Published: 2015
• ISBN: 781481420648

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

Raindrops drop. They plop. They patter. They spatter. And in the process, they make the whole world feel fresh and new and clean. In this photo-illustrated nonfiction picture book, celebrated author April Pulley Sayre sheds new light on the wonders of rain, from the beauty of a raindrop balanced on a leaf to the amazing, never-ending water cycle that keeps our planet in ecological balance.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book falls short when it comes to fostering development of scientific processes. It could be improved by providing some information that builds and scaffolds students' processes.

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

I believe this book could provide opportunities for children to ask and answer their own questions especially by comparing the text to the photographs.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages children to think for themselves about how the text relates to the images. It also encourages children to think about how precipitation effects the Earth.

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

I believe that the topic is addressed in a way that allows a lesson to have more freedom. For example, the book could be used to talk about precipitation, but in more ways than one.

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

The content is based on sound scientific principles and is accurate. At the end of the book there is a "splash of science" where more information about precipitation is included. However, this is not part of the story and is up to the reader to explore.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is purely factual and does not provide a fictional story line nor any fictional information. Therefore, it does not distinguish between fact and fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

There are photographs that are used in this book. They are clear and accurate portrayals of precipitation. I believe the photography is great part of this book and makes reading it more exciting and realistic.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I believe this book is one that can be used at many different levels. With proper scaffolding and inquiry it could be used differently for each grade.

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

Unfortunately, this book lacks a multicultural component. Precipitation is something that takes place globally therefore it could easily include a multicultural component.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias. It tells a story of precipitation and is clear of gender pronouns as well as stereotypes.

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

This book is specifically focused on the scientific aspect of precipitation and any association between science and other disciplines is one that would have to be made by the teacher.

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

This book does present a positive attitude toward science by using a narrative that is interesting and engaging around the topic of precipitation.