Who Eats What?

Yes, the text fosters development of processes. The book presents facts and multiple examples of food chains, then encourages students to try it independently. The text relates food chains back to humans, which allows readers to connect with the text, thus gaining a deeper understanding.

Author: Patricia Lauber
Illustrator: Holly Keller
Year Published: 1995
ISBN: 0-439-49710-8

Summary

This book explains what a food chain is along with different types of food chains and food webs while also providing relevant illustrations demonstrating the variety of food chains and webs. The book provides examples of many different animal food chains and webs including herbivores, carnivores, etc. and how they are similar and different. In addition to exploring food chains and webs, the text discusses the importance of food and how food provides energy. The author encourages students to take an active role in their own learning by presenting how one can draw their own food chain.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: High
Accuracy: High
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?

Yes, the book encourages students to create their own food chain. This allows students to engage in inquiry with the text, enabling them to find out more about their favorite animals or themselves. The book also relates the text to the reader, saying "every time you eat a meal, you become the top of several food chains." this can result in students wanting to know more about their own life in relation to food chains. Where do I stand? It serves as a way to promote reflection.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, the book encourages students to think for themselves. The book encourages the reader to go to the library and learn more about food chains. I was not too fond of this because what if this was the book a student checked out during library time? Why would a student read a book only for the book to tell them to read another book? However, I can see pros of this strategy. If a student wants to know more about food chains, they know that they can check more books out from the library about the same topic. The book also encourages students to make their own food chain and web, which requires application of the information.

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

Yes, the book serves as a way to introduce a lesson within the lesson. You can expand on the book and invite students to create their own food chain and/or web to share with the class or to be used for assessment.

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

The content is based on sound scientific principles. It is accurate because it presents how food chains can vary and how they are "found wherever life is found", meaning that they're applicable among all situations. The book also states how scientists are always learning, which allows the reader to understand that science is always changing and there are infinite things that have not been discovered.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book distinguishes between fact and fiction by posing fictitious situations as examples. For instance, on page 24, there is an example of a girl eating a tuna fish. Although the scenario of the girl eating the tuna fish sandwich is fiction, the example is based on facts about food chains.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate. All diagrams look handwritten, making it easily comprehendible for students because it is a format they are familiar with. The diagrams are also clearly labeled, showing the proper format. The illustrations are also labeled, allowing students to identify the plant/animal pictured and engage in further research about the specific plant/animal if they so desire.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is written at a level of my students. There vocabulary is basic and the illustrations aid the text.

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

There is a multicultural component in the way that there are children of different races and ethnicities represented in the text.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias, showing illustrations of both girls and boys engaging in everyday activities presented in the text.

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

The book can be linked to Geography. It introduces and discusses animals found in Antartica and North America. However, you can use the animals in the book and discuss where they are found to further the geographic elements of the text.

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

Yes. The book encourages students to engage in food chain and food web diagramming and also encourages students to go to the library to further explore topics presented. The author relates food chains back to humans, which reminds the reader that this is a topic evident in every day life and that humans are part of a food chain whenever they eat, which serves to make the content meaningful and relevant.

Science Topics

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