How to Spy on a Shark

Yes, this book does foster development of the processes. It walks the reader through scientific inquiry by showing scientists collecting data for research. It details the process of collecting data and explains the importance behind it.

• Author: Lori Haskins
• Illustrator: Francisca Marquez
• Year Published: 2015
• ISBN: 0807534021

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This is a narrative fictional book that follows a group of marine biologists and their day tracking a Mako shark. They capture, tag, and follow the shark’s movements and habits.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book does foster development of the processes. It walks the reader through scientific inquiry by showing scientists collecting data for research. It details the process of collecting data and explains the importance behind it.

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

Yes, this book does provide the opportunity for children to ask and answer questions. This book is written in simple language, so it covers the topic without giving too much away. This keeps the reader wondering about what more there is to learn about the topic.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, this book encourages children to think for themselves. The book has limited text so it really allows room for the children to ask questions and wonder more about sharks, marine biology, and technology.

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

Yes, this science topic is addressed in appropriate ways for a variety of lessons. This is great for inquiry into sharks, the marine biology career field or technology used in research. This book is very versatile because of how the topic is addressed.

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

Yes, this content is based on sound scientific principles because the authors credit Dr. Christopher G. Lowe of California State University Long Beach Shark Lab as contributing his expertise on marine biology. This book would be considered because the authors reached out to experts in the field to learn about the shark tracking process.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book mainly focuses on facts. It doesn’t really contain fiction. The book does have a narrative style throughout the book but at the end of the book, writes in a more direct manner, providing more information about marine biology.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations in this book are both clear and accurate. They have simple and realistic pictures but are still eye catching and intriguing. They clearly illustrate the steps that the marine biologists go through when collecting data.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at the level of my students. This book is written in very short and simple language that is appropriate for even emergent readers or kindergarten aged children. Although, this could still be an enjoyable and insightful book for third grade aged students.

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

The marine biologists illustrated in this book appear to be of varying races, but other than that there is no mention of specific cultures. The book mainly focuses on the marine biologists’ job of tracking a Mako shark. I could not identify any stereotyping in this book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, this book is free from gender bias. From the illustrations, it appears that two out of the three scientists in this book identify as female. Although, there are no mention of pronouns. By having both male and female scientist, they are both represented in this book.

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

Yes, this book makes the connection between marine biology and tracking technology. The book explains how they use tags, robots, and 3D computer animation to find out more about sharks and their habitat.

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

Yes, this book does present a positive attitude toward science and technology. It shows an exciting day of a group of marine biologists as they capture, tag, and track a Mako shark in order to benefit the species as a whole.