What Is Science?

This book fosters the development of processes in connecting science to the world around us. The author provides the readers with different examples of what science is. These examples can show students that science is not just one thing but in all things around them.

Author: Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Illustrator: Sachiko Yoshikawa
Year Published: 2006
ISBN: 0805073949

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

3rd Grade

Summary

This book explores what exactly is science with children. It depicts the ever changing nature of science and how we are surrounded by science in our everyday lives. This book also discusses curiosity within science.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

This book is full if opportunities for children to ask themselves what they think science is. They can make predictions throughout the book about what they think science is. This can allow for student self assessment. The use of repetition by the author allows children to see a pattern within the world of science and can scaffold them in answering their own questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I think this book encourages students to think for themselves about what science is. I also think it encourages them to make connections between the text and their own lives. Students could possibly discover what aspects of science are present in their every day lives.

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

Yes the topics that are addressed are done so in a way that are appropriate to the lesson. This is a great book to start the year off with. It will prepare students for the type of inquiry encourage in exploring the world around them.

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

Yes, the content is based on sound scientific principles and it is accurate. The text accurately shows students that science is not an alienating thing.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The only fiction aspect of this book is that there is a dog character who is exploring science along with the children. This is not explicitly addressed and would have to be done by the teacher.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

All of the illustrations in this book are clear for students to understand. The illustrations all depict children being hands on with science, this helps students connect on a personal level. Most of the illustrations are accurate, however; there is one image that shows students flying in a rocket ship near Saturn and observing it's rings. This is not an accurate representation of space exploration and should be mentioned in discussion.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is appropriate for students in K-3rd grade. All of the topics discussed are presented with pictures. This aids student understanding of topics that may be new to them.

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

This book does have a multicultural component to it. The children in the book have a variety of skin tones. None of the characters have stereotypes attached to them in this book. All of the characters equally participate in answering the question of what science is.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book depicts male and female children questioning and discovering what science is. I don't think there are gender bias are present. This book also uses animals as characters. Both genders in the book seem to share equal participation in the activities they do.

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

This book does not show any strong associations between science and other disciplines for students. There are opportunities for a teacher to help students make a connection between these two areas. There is a section where history and science could be associated with each other. The author writes about the oldest rivers and tombs of kings as things we can question and explore.

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

This book does present a positive attitude toward science and technology. Towards the end of book trains and planes are discussed as being part of the science world. Although science and technology are not explicitly discussed this section does provide an opportunity for the teacher to bring a connection forth to the class.