The Big Science Fair

I think the plot of story really fosters the principles of making science a fun subject, but it does not teach students to develop any processes.

• Author: Dan Yaccarino
• Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
• Year Published: 2002
• ISBN: 3011818010

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 6th Grade

Summary

The book about two boys in two different planets. Blast Off Boy is en exchange student in Planet Meep. Blorp is a alien student in Planet Earth. They both attend their science fair where they when some surprises arise.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I think the plot of story really fosters the principles of making science a fun subject, but it does not teach students to develop any processes.

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

The story has a human and an alien living in a world that is not their own, I think it is a fun story, but it doesn't give students the opportunity to have any of their questions answers or to ask their own questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

There's nothing in this story that would encourage students to think for themselves. The story is fiction and does not add any scientific facts to the plot. there is nothing to help the students think for themselves.

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

Although the theme of the book is a science fair, I'm not sure how it fit in with a science lesson. The topic may have to do with science, but it does not provide students with any new information about science.

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

I don't think the book has sound scientific principles. I think that's okay if you're reading the book for pleasure, because I think the point of the book is to see the lives of these two boys as they participate in a science fair. The book is supposed to be fiction, and I don't think it can be used to teach science in the classroom.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

I don't think this book provides any facts. It mostly just shows the story of the two boys and it all consists of a fiction topic.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations go well with the story. It shows what is going on in the story. They help describe what is happening in the book.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I think it is written at the level of my students. I think my students would really enjoy the story. I don't think I would be able to use it as part of a lesson because it does not math with any of the science TEKS.

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

The story is about the two students in a different planet and so I think it does a good job of showing what it's like to be in a new school and a new environment where you may not know the culture. The culture that is shown is from another planet, and so it does not show the differences between cultures in our world.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I don't think I noticed any gender bias in the story.

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

The book was about a science fair and it did not mention any other subjects or disciplines. I do not think it showed the close association between science and other disciplines.

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

I think this book does present a positive attitude toward science and technology. I think it shows how fun science can be, especially when you do science fairs. The story shows how you can really express what you want to learn more about and share with others when you participate in science fairs.