Bees Like Flowers

Yes, a student learns what a bee is responsible for. They learn the process of pollination and how bees help flowers grow. We also learn that bees help create honey, a commonly recognized household item.

Author: Rebecca Bielawski
Illustrator: n/a
Year Published: 2014
ISBN: 1326638262

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

2nd Grade

Summary

This story is about a girl who observes a little bee. She sees how the bee moves from flower to flower, sucking out the nectar. While moving from flower to flower, the bee carries pollen on its feet. The girl learns that the pollen helps other flowers grow in other areas. The girl also learns where the bees live and that they are responsible for the creation of honey.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: Medium
Authority: High
Accuracy: High
Liteary Artistry: Medium
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, students can ask what certain terms mean like pollen and nectar. Students learn towards the end why it is important for bees to spread pollen and how they are responsible for creating honey.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, children can form their own opinions about how pollen helps other flowers grow. They can ask questions about the bee hive and how the bees are able to create honey.

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

Yes, the story is child friendly and displayed in a way that is almost like a story while also giving off factual information. The content is easy for children to understand.

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

Yes, children learn about the life of a honey bee and the way that they help the growth of other flowers. They also learn what the importance of a honey bee is in a human life. The information is accurate and teachers would definitely have background knowledge of the content.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Somewhat, while there is a story taking place, the story does not really have characteristics of fictional text. The story is mainly non-fiction and provides lots of factual information.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations show exactly what is happening in the story. Students will be able to tell what is happening by looking at the pictures. The story could be useful for ELLs.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the book is simple and to the point. Students will probably not have difficulty understanding the text. The lower grade students wouldn't be able to read it but the older grade level students would have no issues reading it.

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

Yes, the text is free from stereotyping for the most part. The story's focus is mainly on the bee and nothing else. While the only other character in the story is a white female, there may be some issues with having not diversity.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book's main focus is on the bee and not on the human. There is not gender bias, however the only character in the story is a girl so there may be some controversy about having no boys in the story.

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

Yes, the book's focus is on the life of a bee and how bees serve to help flowers. Students learn about the process of pollination and the sweet substance that bees create for humans to eat.

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

Yes, the story is talking about pollination is a positive way and how it helps our planet. The story presents factual information in a great way that is not just simply stating facts throughout the story.