My Visit to the Aquarium

No, it's purely informational.

• Author: Aliki Brandenberg
• Illustrator: Aliki Brandenberg
• Year Published: 1993
• ISBN: 0060214589

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

The book follows a boy who goes to the aquarium with his older brother and younger sister. The narrative follows their journey through the aquarium, including the exhibits they saw and what they learned about the fish there. It reflects their fascination of what they're seeing and ends after they visit many different types of animal exhibits and finally leave the aquarium for the day.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

No, it's purely informational.

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

Yes, I think it does. It follows the perspective of a child and mimics what I think would be a typical child's thought process as they're exploring an aquarium. He finds out the answers to the things he's curious about, which are probably similar to things that a child might be curious about when reading. Children's questions were definitely accounted for by the author when writing this.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Not really. Again, it is very informational.

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

Yes. It's rooted in the context of an aquarium, which is an experience many children may be familiar with. It presents it from the fascination of a child, making it exciting through that lens.

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

Sure, I think it's very clear that a lot of research went into this book (perhaps a visit to an aquarium even).

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

To some extent. I think it's clear that the family in the story is fictional, but also clear that what they learn on their visit is real fact.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. They're colorful and vibrant, making it enjoyable to read.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes.

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

Yes, the family in the story is an Asian-American family and the families illustrated are all diverse.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I would say so. There are plenty of pictures of both boys and girls.

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

I don't think so. It's mostly about animal life. There's not much other than that.

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

Yes! It frames visiting the aquarium and learning about science as something that is exciting and fun.