Our Solar System

This book does incorporate and foster development of processes by expanding on the ideas of our solar system. The book explains the characteristics of the planets in our solar system, stars, and comets as well. In addition, this book talks about the reasons for habitable and inhabitable planets.

Author: Seymour Simon
Year Published: 2005
ISBN: 0439762057

Summary

A book that goes into detail about our solar system.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: High
Accuracy: Medium
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?

This book does not provide a lot of opportunity for children to ask questions because the book lists a lot of facts. However, the book does answer a lot of questions regarding solar system facts. Overall, the book seems to be mainly facts and explanations.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does not seem to encourage children to think for themselves. Depending on how a child interprets the facts, can allow the child to expand on their thinking. The book is more a guided reading book instead of an exploration book.

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

This book does address scientific topics that are appropriate for a space lesson. There are many facts that be used from this book that will allow the students to learn from. In addition, the book is a great tool for students to create a pamphlet for each planet in our solar system.

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

There are many scientific principles in this book. Most of the information in this book is accurate. However, since Pluto is no longer a planet, this book is a bit outdated.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

There is no distinction between fact and fiction in this book. The book only lists a lot of facts and is considered non-fiction. Also, the book includes some history such as the origin of planets’ names.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear to the students and are accurate with scientific data. The illustrations in this book are mainly photographs that were taken from space crafts. The clear illustrations provide students a clear representation for the children to understand.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is clear with the text. There are a lot of details that go along with each aspect in the solar system. Each page in the book is combined with text and a clear picture of what the text is talking about.

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

There are not any multicultural components in this book. Since the book main talks about space and our planets, there are no areas to incorporate multiculturalism. Thus, the book does not contain particular information about one specific race.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias. There are no people portrayed in any of the photographs. In addition, the book does not limit any boy or girl from being an astronaut.

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

This book does show a close association between science, history, and some mathematics. The book does include information about the origin of planet names. There are some mathematics such as the distance it would take to travel between planets.

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

The book does not necessarily present a positive attitude toward science and technology. However, that does not mean that the book presents a negative attitude either. The book mainly presentations information for the child to learn from.

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level