The Lonely Existence of Asteroids and Comets

I don't believe this book fosters the development of processes much. It is mostly an informational book about asteroids and comets.

• Author: Mark Weakland
• Illustrator: Carlos Aon
• Year Published: 2012
• ISBN: 1429679875

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

This book is a greta introduction to asteroids and comets. It starts by distinguishing an asteroid from a comet and the moves to talking about what they are made up of. It later goes into detail about their place in the solar system, the role they played in creating our solar system and how they have impacted life on Earth. Lastly, it covers the hypothetical scenario of a comet hitting Earth in the future and how we might use technology to protect Earth.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I don't believe this book fosters the development of processes much. It is mostly an informational book about asteroids and comets.

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

I do believe this book allows for children to use questions and then read on to discover the answers to those questions. However, it does not do this in a way that an inquiry lesson would. It is not an experiment or activity book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book gives students a lot of informational rather than requiring them to build their own knowledge. Therefore, I don't believe it encourages students to think for themselves in that sense.

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

This science topic is addressed in a way that is appropriate for any introduction lesson about comets and asteroids. It would be great for the research part of a lesson because it offers a lot of background info or facts about comets and asteroids that would be very helpful for any students learning about them.

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

I do believe this book is accurate. It is covers a good amount of surface level material about comets and asteroids. It also seems to address misconceptions about comets and asteroids that are held by many.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book in particular is almost strictly factual. It does not really have any type of fiction component to it.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations in the book are very clear and relatively accurate. They help to address concepts like the orbit of comets and what the comets' tails look like. However, not all of the diagrams are drawn to scale.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This books is written at a level most of my 2nd graders would be able to understand. I do believe some of the language is a bit advance, however a student would still be able to take a lot of information away from the book, even if they struggle a bit.

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

There is not a multicultural component to this book. The scientists however are drawn as older men and woman in white lab coats, which is a bit stereotypical.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I do believe this book is free from gender bias. It depicts both men and women working in STEM throughout the book.

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

This book does not really show a close connection between science and other disciplines. It mostly covers space science and professions involves with that.

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

This book presents a very positive attitude towards science and technology. Science and technology are intertwined throughout the book and are shown a valuable methods of discovery and protection for our planet.