What Makes A Magnet?

This book does foster development of processes by expanding on the idea of magnets. The book also explains what a magnet can be, the different types of magnet, and how a magnet is formed. In addition, this book also talks about compasses and how they are used for directions.

Author: Franklyn M. Branley
Illustrator: True Kelley
Year Published: 1996
ISBN: 0064451488

Summary

Describes how magnets work and include instructions for making a magnet and a compass.

Evaluation

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

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 does not really provide an opportunity for the children to ask because the book listed a bunch of facts. However, the book does anticipate that students will not be able to complete the model correctly and offers a suggestion. Overall, the book seems to be mainly facts and explanations.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does not encourage children to think for themselves. The book does not seem relatable for the children. The book is more of a guided reading book instead of an exploration.

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

The book does address scientific topics that are appropriate to the lesson. The introduces the topic well and then expands on that idea. In addition, the book further expands on the ideas that are related to magnets.

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

The book does have content that are based on scientific principles. This book applies the nature of science because it acknowledges that scientists do not always have the answer. However, they have a good idea and are looking forward to continue to do more research.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not distinguish between fact and fiction. The book only lists facts and is considered to be non-fiction. The book includes some history and explanations.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear to the students are accurate with scientific data. The pictures are engaging for the students by providing models and cartoons for the students to see. In addition, it provides a clear representation and simplifies the information that is easy for the students to understand.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is clear with the text. The illustrations also provide support to the text. There are also captions in the pictures for text dialogue for students to be more engaged with the text.

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

This book does represent global scientific knowledge. However, the illustrations only show white people even though the people are all around the world. The book does not necessarily stereotype because it only lists facts about magnets.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is gender bias to some degree. The portrays male jobs with male people. In addition, the occupations are stereotypical of gender biases.

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

The book does show close association between science and history. In addition, the book does include language arts as well. There is a little history and language arts that include the history of magnets.

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

The book does present about science but not technology. However, the book does show children how to make compasses. There is not really a positive or negative attitude about science and technology because the book mainly lists facts.

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level