Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos

This book somewhat fosters development of processes by providing the reader with facts about our solar system through the life of scientist, Carl Sagan. The majority of the book however is about his life more so than facts about the solar system.

Author: Stephanie Roth Sisson
Year Published: 2014
ISBN: 978-1-338-03489-9

Summary

Star Stuff is a book about Carl Sagan and his journey through life to become a scientist and part of the Voyager experiences. The book begins when Carl was just a young boy and walks us through him pursuing his dreams.

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?

I think the book does give the students the opportunity to ask and answer their own questions. It provides a foundation about the topic but still leaves questions unanswered which can allow the students to do their own research about Carl and the Voyager.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages students to think for themselves because it shows them that if they set their minds to something, they can achieve it with dedication and hard work. Sometimes it can be hard for a book to provide that encouragement for students but this book puts it into perspective for children and makes it seem like it could be possible for anyone.

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

The science topic is addressed appropriately. This book would be good as an addition to a lesson about the solar system. I wouldn't necessarily use this book for a lesson on its own.

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

The scientific principles are accurate in this book. The book presents true facts about a real person and real events.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is telling a story but using real information in a way that is easy for children to understand. The reader knows the book isn't fiction because it is talking about a real person.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations go directly with the words. The pictures portray what the author wants to get across clearly and in a kid-friendly way.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Most of the students in my class would be able to read through this book. However, I could also see using this book as a read aloud to the class to be able to pull it apart and have conversation about the book. Both the words and the pictures are at about just the right level.

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

There is not a multicultural component in this book but it also does not necessarily stereotype. The one stereotype that you could pull from this book would that a white male becomes successful. Other than that, I would not consider there to be any stereotypes.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is gender free from bias even though the only character is a boy/man. It does not apply to one specific gender, in fact I believe any gender would enjoy this book.

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

There is not much association between science and other disciplines in this book. A couple of the illustrations show Carl drawing diagrams of the solar system and the rockets so it could be related to art.

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

This book presents a positive attitude towards science because it tells a story about a young boy who grows about pursuing his love of space. It can be inspiring to children to want to learn more about science because there is so much more to explore in the world of science.

Science Topics

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