What Makes Day and Night?

I do believe this book fosters development of processes. It is very clear on its introduction of concepts to students. It gives many examples and models for how the Earth rotates and explains that half of the Earth is already illuminated by the Sun.

• Author: Franklyn Branley
• Illustrator: Arthur Dorros
• Year Published: 1986
• ISBN: 9780064450508

Science Topics

• Space Science
• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book introduces students to the reasons why we have days and nights on Earth. It talks about how the Earth spins on its axis. It introduces terms of sunrise, noon, and sunset. The book also show a model students can use with a lamp and the facings of the body to understand day vs night.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I do believe this book fosters development of processes. It is very clear on its introduction of concepts to students. It gives many examples and models for how the Earth rotates and explains that half of the Earth is already illuminated by the Sun.

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

The book has a great example for students to model their thinking by using a lamp to represent the Sun and their bodies to represent the Earth. I believe their questions could be easily answered through the straightforward text. The concepts are written plainly and easy for children to understand.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does not encourage much for children to think for themselves. It is more of just and introduction to the concepts of Earth's day and night. It doesn't offer opportunities for much inquiry beyond this.

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

I believe the science is appropriate to the lesson. It discusses how Earth rotates on its axis and how one side of the Earth is always illuminated. It explains that the whole Earth does not have day and night and half of the Earth is always the opposite of the other half.

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

The content is based on sound principles. I believe it is accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not have much fiction in it. It is strictly nonfiction and introducing scientific concepts to students. It is filled with fact, an expository text.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are beautiful. Very clear and accurate. There is one page that the Earth is shown from above that I could see as confusing for children. But other than that I thought the illustrations were great.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, I do believe the book was written for the level of my students. It seems like you could introduce this in Kindergarten, but I would wait until a little later. I think 2nd or 3rd grade would be the most appropriate.

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

There is not stereotyping in this book. There is diversity among the illustrations, but other than that there is not much of a multicultural component.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias. There are both boys and girls working on the models and participating in the activity.

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

This book does not really integrate other disciplines. It is strictly about why there is day and night. No written component, math components. Just an expository science text.

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

This book definitely presents a positive attitude toward science. It gives students an opportunity to model the ideas in a fun and simple way.