Survival at 120 Above

There is less a focus on the processes of science and more on the curiosity of science and vastness of the world around us. A teacher might be able to use this book to focus on making observations.

• Author: Debbie S. Miller
• Illustrator: Jon Van Zyle
• Year Published: 2012
• ISBN: 978-0-8027-9814-5

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

After exploring one of the coldest places on Earth, Debbie S. Miller travels to one of the hottest places, to introduce readers to the variety of animals who call the desert home and show the ways they have adapted to survive temperatures as high as 120 degrees. Creatures such as the sand goanna and red kangaroo have fascinating and unique coping mechanisms for keeping it cool at these extreme temperatures. Miller's expert research and accessible writing will captivate readers as Jon Van Zyle's signature illustrations beautifully depict these animals and their desert habitat.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

There is less a focus on the processes of science and more on the curiosity of science and vastness of the world around us. A teacher might be able to use this book to focus on making observations.

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

Children are given the opportunity to ask many question about the animals because so many are introduced in the text.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book encourages children to take the information that has been presented and do research for themselves. The book is more focused on presenting facts.

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

The book would be a great way to introduce food chains or habitats but showing all the different plants and animals that interact.

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

The book is very much based on sound scientific knowledge and research. It is very accurate to the real world.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is, interestingly enough, presented in a fiction style (like story telling) but is made up of very interesting facts. This might be a little confusing to students if it isn't specifically spelled out.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are beautiful and very detail oriented. The reader gets a great idea of the beauty of this habitat.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book uses very elaborate and complex language so it might be appropriate for middle to upper elementary.

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

There does not seem to be a large multicultural component, nor a tendency to stereotype.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There are no clear gender biases.

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

I think there is a deep connection with language arts in this book because it is full of great example of descriptive language. I might even use this as a mentor text in our writing class.

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

There is a very positive attitude towards science because it presents the desert biome as full of mystery and an intricate mixture of creatures. There seems to be such fascination with the natural world and I think it would inspire children to research more.