The Tiny Seed

The book is really great for making inferences. Each page builds on the last. The book is also great for creating questions and learning about plant life cycle. Great potential for inquiry project.

• Author: Eric Carle
• Illustrator: Eric Carle
• Year Published: 2009
• ISBN: 1416979174

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

The book goes through the life cycle of a flower. It begins by talking about how a seed is carried and finally lands in a spot where it can grow. It talks about the effects of humans, animals, and weather on whether or not the seed will make it into a flower.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book is really great for making inferences. Each page builds on the last. The book is also great for creating questions and learning about plant life cycle. Great potential for inquiry project.

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

The children can ask questions on each page. The next pages will most likely answer these questions since the book is scaffolded. Children may have further questions the book can not answer.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book encourages children to think about our Earth, how seeds travel, effects of outside factors, and the life cycle of plants. The part at the end where the plant grows taller than the house allows children to think about if that is something that could be possible in real life.

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

If you are doing a lesson based on the life cycle of a plant and seeds then yes. This is a good introduction to life sciences and plants.

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

Most of the content is accurate. It goes through the life cycle accurately. The only thing that is unrealistic is the flower growing so large that it is larger than the house and people come from all over to look at it.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not. It doesn't explain that is would be unrealistic for the flower to get to that size. This is something the teacher would have to make note of.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are nicely done. They are accurate with the descriptions in the text.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is good as an introduction to the life cycle of a plant. I think it is most appropriate for 1st or 2nd grade. It is important to note fact vs. fiction in both grades. This book is somewhat lengthy and would be best as a read aloud.

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

There are different races pictured in the illustrations in the book. The book does not have any stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book shows both a boy and a girl so it is free from gender bias. The book shows a boy giving a flower to a girl and states that he is giving a flower to a friend.

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

The book is solely science. It does not include other disciplines. The only other discipline is literature because it is a book.

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

The book does not mention technology. It does mention science in a positive light although there are elements of both fact and fiction.