What If There Were No Bees?

This book teaches about the importance of each member of the food chain, in this case honey bees. It could potentially lead into a lesson that fosters scientific processes, and the students could use skills like inferencing throughout the book.

• Author: Suzanne Slade
• Illustrator: Carol Schwartz
• Year Published: 2010
• ISBN: 140486394X

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

Grassland ecosystems can be found on nearly every continent. Countless animals and plants live in them. So what difference could the loss of one animal species make? Follow the chain reaction, and discover how important honey bees are.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book teaches about the importance of each member of the food chain, in this case honey bees. It could potentially lead into a lesson that fosters scientific processes, and the students could use skills like inferencing throughout the book.

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

Yes, the book allows for opportunities for students to ask their own questions about the way other animals affect the food chain. They can also connect to things that they have noticed in their own environment and community.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book gives fun facts about the animals in this grassland food chain, and could allow for connections to their personal environment. The book itself does not allow for much thinking from the students, but it could be used to match a lesson that does.

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

Yes, the topic of food chains is addressed in a way that is appropriate for the grade level. It opens the topic of food chains in a way that focuses on the importance of the relationships between each organism.

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

Yes, the subject matter is accurate and is presented in a way that gives key facts about each organism in the food chain. It shows the importance of the relationships between these organisms in the food chain, as well.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is solely fact and provides facts about each animal. However, it poses hypothetical situations, like the bees disappearing, to get students thinking.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations portray realistic drawings of the animals in this particular grassland food chain. It also includes the arrows between each animal in the food chain to demonstrate how it works.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is written for 2nd to 4th graders, but it may require some guidance in the lower grades. Some of the food chain illustrations may be confusing to second graders depending on their exposure to them.

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

The book focuses purely on animals, so there is not a multicultural component. The book is free from stereotyping as well, as it avoids human interactions.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias, as it does not contain human characters.

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

The book focuses on the science of food chains and the organisms within a specific food chain, so there isn't much of an interdisciplinary aspect. However, the book could be incorporated into a lesson with writing or other disciplines.

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

Yes, the book ends on a positive note, stating the efforts people are making to keep the bee population up. It also uses positive language throughout to keep the general attitude somewhat upbeat, while discussing a serious subject.