Children's Science Book Database

Things that Float and Things that Don’t

Yes, the book fosters the development of the processes of observation, inferring, measuring, prediction, and classifying. The book presents a variety of objects that students can make observations  about (crumpled foil, clay, and water before and after it freezes). There are several moments in the book where students are given information about an object and can infer whether the object will sink or float. The book also encourages students to find objects and test them in water and classify whether they will sink or float. Teachers can use this opportunity to have students make predictions about what objects they think will sink or float.Things that Float and Things that Don’t
  • Author: David A. Adler
  • Illustrator: Anna Raff
  • Year Published: 2013
  • ISBN: 978-0-8234-2862-5-51695

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This book is a fun exploration of objects that float and objects that sink. The illustrations are adorable and the text is easy to read and understand.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters the development of the processes of observation, inferring, measuring, prediction, and classifying. The book presents a variety of objects that students can make observations  about (crumpled foil, clay, and water before and after it freezes). There are several moments in the book where students are given information about an object and can infer whether the object will sink or float. The book also encourages students to find objects and test them in water and classify whether they will sink or float. Teachers can use this opportunity to have students make predictions about what objects they think will sink or float.

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

Yes, students are encouraged to ask and answer their own questions. The book encourages students to find their own objects to test whether they float or not. The teacher can also make strategic stops throughout the book, without reading the text first, and have students come up with their own questions about what is happening in the illustrations. Students can use this opportunity to discuss and bring in their own prior knowledge to answer their questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, the book encourages children to think for themselves by asking questions throughout the book. The teacher can stop at these questions and encourage student thinking before reading the answer, which the book explains after the question.

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

Yes, the topic is addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson.

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

The content is based on sound scientific principles and is accurate. One thing is that the density of water is rounded, and not exact, which may be a problem if students test objects with densities close to the density of water. Some of the objects presented, like apples and soap, are given general densities. However, students can question this and test different types of apples and soap and test whether their densities are close to the general densities given in the book. Another issue is also the definition of of density, which uses the term "weight" instead of "mass".

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book's information is factual.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are simplistic and cartoonish, however, they still clearly and accurately demonstrate the information taught.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is an appropriate level for grades 3-5, where students are expected to record the physical properties of matter according to the TEKS. The book also provides definitions for terms such as density, cubic foot, displacement, and dissolve.

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

There is no multicultural component as both children in the book appear to be of the same race, White. It is not completely free of gender stereotyping as the boy in the book is presented as more physically active than the girl. He is seen running into the water and carrying a heavy pail of water, while the girl is standing passively in the background

Is the book free from gender bias?

It is mostly free gender bias, as both a boy and girl are involved in the scientific activities.

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

Yes, the book also includes mathematics in order to find the density of objects.

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

Yes! The book presents science as an exploration of the objects around you and how the knowledge of their properties are used. However, there is little technology showed in the book.