Amazing Mysteries of the World

This book fosters development of processes as it allows the students to make observations, predictions about certain phenomena, and do some measurements for themselves. Furthermore, students can then relay their findings to their peers using evidence-base explanations. Finally, it encourages students to formulate small models that help comprehend certain things like the water cycle, space, volcanoes, earthquakes or the ecosystem.

• Author: Catherine O'Neil
• Illustrator: Artemis S. Lampathakis
• Year Published: 1983
• ISBN: 0870445022

Science Topics

• Space Science
• Earth Science
• Physical Science
• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 8th Grade

Summary

This unique book covering the world's greatest mysteries will pique your curiousity and answer some of the toughest questions about the world's secrets. It discusses such mystifying phenomena as the auroras, black holes, and Bigfoot.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book fosters development of processes as it allows the students to make observations, predictions about certain phenomena, and do some measurements for themselves. Furthermore, students can then relay their findings to their peers using evidence-base explanations. Finally, it encourages students to formulate small models that help comprehend certain things like the water cycle, space, volcanoes, earthquakes or the ecosystem.

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

This book provides an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. It is intended to raise curiosity about certain mysteries and keep on reading to find solutions or ways to construct meaning. The terminology used is modified so that students in upper grades in elementary can have a basic understanding of the message being conveyed.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages children to think for themselves and develop metacognitive skills. Some of the illustrations and text elicits critical thinking, which allows children to use investigative skills to find the missing piece of information. They then have to reflect on their inquiries to make sure they are correlated to the ones provided in the book.

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

The science topic is for the most part addressed in ways that is appropriate to the lesson. For example, most of the content has to do with contemporary science topics like the solar system and aquatic animals. In the other hand, in contains topic that are usually not talked about in science such as tombs, mermaids and dragons.

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

For the most part, the content is based on sound scientific principles. The facts provided are based on research and they provide an accurate explanation for the findings. Most of the content can be related to the TEKS that are currently being implemented in upper grade levels in elementary. Lastly, the principles provided emphasis the importance of the constant changes science undergoes.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does distinguish between facts and fiction. For example, there are some topics that allow the reader to determine whether they think something is fact or fiction. Afterwards, there is an explanation by scientists for their suggestion on what is fiction and what is fact. At the same time, it leaves it open for other possibilities since science is not authoritarian.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate. some of them are taken by individuals and others are taken by either telescopes or microscopes. They all have a caption explain the purpose of the picture and what is being shown. Also, the text for that section goes into detail about the picture(s).

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written for students in upper grade levels. Due to the complexity of the words and the concepts, I believe students who focus more on science (usually 4th grade and above) will be able to construct meaning and knowledge better/easier. There are only few sections that a 2nd or 3rd grader can effectively comprehend.

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

There is a multicultural component since the ideas/concepts provided are written in through an open-mind and encourage the reader to make opinions for themselves. At the same time, it includes topics that are sometimes  controversial like pyramids, mummies, evolution, and extraterrestrial life.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book does not show any sign that it is gender bias. Researchers of both gender are included in the text.

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

The book shows a close association between science and other disciplines like history, math, health and physical education. It encourages students to do physical activities to comprehend certain aspects of a given topic. Due to the facts provided, it also gives a brief history lesson on certain things to give the reader some sort of background knowledge.

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

Overall, this book presents a positive attitude toward science and technology. It does not provide pessimistic views on various science areas. Also, this book includes some of the technological advances that have helped science improve and discover new phenomena. It helps readers become scientifically literate.