The Earth Orgins and Evolution

The book definitely can be used to foster development of processes. The content in the book can be used to spark engagement, used during exploration, highlight vocabulary, and can be used at the end of an exploration for further explanation. Teachers can use it in connection with other resources that will further foster development of processes.

• Author: Anna Alessandrello
• Year Published: 1995
• ISBN: 0811433315

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 6th Grade

Summary

"Earth gives an overview of the planet, including its formation over five billion years ago; its structure; the geologic formation of the continents; the composition and changing characteristics of the atmosphere, oceans, mountains, volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, deserts, rivers, and lakes; and related weather and climate features...The extensive use (two-thirds of each double-page spread) of photographs; maps; and full-color, museum-quality drawings and paintings, all of which are fully labeled and captioned, extends the texts... The books' format will attract browsers; their contents will be useful to those seeking basic information for reports." (Revised from the School Library Journal)

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book definitely can be used to foster development of processes. The content in the book can be used to spark engagement, used during exploration, highlight vocabulary, and can be used at the end of an exploration for further explanation. Teachers can use it in connection with other resources that will further foster development of processes.

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

This book is a lot more content focused with its use of vocabulary and illustrations. However, depending on the way you use it the book can be an excellent way to give children the opportunity to ask and answer their own questions. Teachers can guide information in text to get students to ask questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book gives students so much information from the text, graphs, illustrations with labels and captions, a glossary at the end of the book with vocabulary words highlighted within the text, and further readings suggested that can spark interest of other topics. When children are engaged they think of new questions and come up with wonders on their own. If the book and other content are shown to students, they will surely start to think for themselves.    

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

For a lesson that is over Earth, the book is appropriate because of the way the topics are presented. It starts with how Earth began and how it has changed since then. Then, it presents features on Earth.

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

While the reasoning behind Earth's start and evolution is something that has not been agreed upon, the book's content is accurate on what some formations are and how they developed. The explanations have been agreed upon and there is evidence and research. The information presented would be things that they would see in textbooks.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book gives a lot of factual information including vocabulary and illustrations that support its content. There is really no fiction in the book, which would lead teachers to use the book differently than any children's book. If student's already know other theories of how Earth started, then there could be discussion about what they think is true.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are very clear and accurate to the best of the illustrators ability. With any illustrations of objects that are large, they cannot really be represented that accurately, but students will definitely still understand. They are very detailed. The photos used in the book are also very detailed and picture the topics very well.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is definitely a little much for my students to read on their own but can be incorporated into a lesson using the picture and graphs. The paragraphs can be reworded for younger students.  I believe the book can be adapted for elementary students.  

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

There is no multicultural component in this book.  It is free from stereotyping since it is a non-fiction piece. If there is a disagreement on Earth's start based on culture than maybe there would be some component, but there is still one side shown.

Is the book free from gender bias?

It is free from gender bias because there are no people featured in this book. It is just about the features on Earth. There are no mentions of any gender in the book.

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

There is no close association of science with other subjects. However, writing could be incorporated on the different features and history can be used to show how earth has changed. Depending on the grade than reading could be associated if the students could read the text.

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

The content can be so engaging that it can lead to a more positive attitude toward science. Technology can be talked about when discussing how scientists were able to create these images of how Earth has changed. Through discussion and further explanation the book can definitely help students to want to know more.