The New Book of Mars

The book gives a lot of information that can be integrated with other resources that could help foster development of processes. The book itself couldn't offer so much exploration, but could definitely be used at the end of an activity to strengthen understanding or the beginning to introduce content. Children can learn more about how scientists do science and use it other activities.

• Author: Nigel Hawkes
• Illustrator: Richard Rockwood
• Year Published: 1998
• ISBN: 0761308113

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 6th Grade

Summary

"Give students the latest and most up-to-date information in these ever-changing fields of science in these high-interest books that utilize computer generated art for added effect." (Revised from GoodReads) This book covers everything from Mars in our solar system, its features, explorations/missions on Mars, and even theories about life on Mars.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book gives a lot of information that can be integrated with other resources that could help foster development of processes. The book itself couldn't offer so much exploration, but could definitely be used at the end of an activity to strengthen understanding or the beginning to introduce content. Children can learn more about how scientists do science and use it other activities.

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

The book is filled with information that can spark interest and make students want to ask more questions. Children can also answer a lot of their questions using the book if they think of there questions before reading the book. It is a book that offer many chances for students to teach themselves.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Children will be given a lot of  information about Mars in the book. However, it can spark new questions and wonders about how the rest of the planets are and more about space. Children will want to learn more about space and the parts that make it up.

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

The book does not start from the start explaining about how Mars started. It starts with missions that explored Mars and information that scientist learned through expeditions. It talks about Mars as a planet and missions from before the book came out and insights to the missions that would come after the book was published.

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

The information presented in the book comes from the mission that found that information. Students are able to see where scientists got the information they share with everyone. I think that is a very powerful thing having students realize that science is important.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does give a lot of factual information and tells students what mission it was discovered on. However, the book does about aliens and life on Mars and is presented in a way that students know that not everybody agrees on that. The book allows student to read about a scientifically controversial topic.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The book is filled with computer reconstructions and artists' impressions of discoveries on Mars. The illustrations are vivid and detailed. There are some real photos included in the book.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is written for higher elementary grades and could be decoded for students whose reading level might be low because the pictures are so well detailed. The pictures and captions could help students who need extra support in reading the text.

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

There are scientists that appear to be of different race so this could be a way to talk about scientist can be of all races and ethnic backgrounds. There are more white people in the book, but does not specifically single out other races. Children notice small details, so it is a good thing to think about this book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Most of the pictures and illustrations shown in the book are showing men, but there is a one woman depicted as a scientists. Since there is a woman shown there could be a great way into discussion about how both men and women can be scientist. This could spark interest into learning more about scientists.

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

There are a lot of measurements and numbers shown in the book that can open up into a math lesson. The book is also spread out based on what dates discoveries happened, so social studies could be touched on. Reading and writing can easily be incorporated in any subject.

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

The book definitely presents a positive attitude towards science by engaging students with the topic itself and the illustrations included. There are so many examples of scientists and other careers that can be positive for students to learn about. The illustrations were made by using technology and sparks interest about how technology that made these discoveries possible.