Spring Thaw

Yes, it fosters some of the basic processes like observing, predicting, inferring and even classifying. The illustrations are very accurate in depicting forest animals in colder climates. Student can classify these animals as well as infer from the illustrations, like what type of tree gives maple syrup..how does this work? The large chunks of ice are also falling which students could infer that the temperatures are changing.

• Author: Steven Schnur
• Illustrator: Stacey Schuett
• Year Published: 2000
• ISBN: 067087961

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

A grandfather shows his son grandson the markers of spring as ice thaws on thier farm. Babies are being born, and large chunks of snow are falling of the roof as they melt. The animals of the forest are also coming out, baby lambs are born.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, it fosters some of the basic processes like observing, predicting, inferring and even classifying. The illustrations are very accurate in depicting forest animals in colder climates. Student can classify these animals as well as infer from the illustrations, like what type of tree gives maple syrup..how does this work? The large chunks of ice are also falling which students could infer that the temperatures are changing.

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

Not neccessarily, it's written in a third-person story narrative style. If the teacher does a read-aloud and encourages students to ask question based on what they see or what she is reading, then students can engage in inquiry facilitated by the teacher.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

No, the book is in story narrative and does not ask questions of the students. the teacher might want to tap into student background knowledge before reading the book so they can make connections through the book easier and further encourage thinking while reading the book.

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

Yes, the transition from winter to spring is told through beautiful illustrations and a narrative that points out the animals that are coming out and being born. Topics like seasons, life cycles of plants animals and even weather, glaciers, and temperature can be used for lessons through using this book.

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

Yes, it is simple and accurate. The effects of a snow freeze can be seen in the trees and thier release of maple syrup. The chunks of ice and icicles are slowly melting with rising temperatures. Baby lambs are being born to grow for spring. The book is based on scientific principles, like life cycles and seasons.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Not explicitly. The book is a real-life situation used through painted illustrations. There isn't really a need to distinguish between fact and fiction, because it's all based on a process that happens in real life.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes the illustrations are clear and accurate. The animals, trees and natural occurrences reflect what happens in real life.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, i would say this book is written at a level for second graders. For grades under second grade i would recommend the teacher do a read-aloud and illustration walk-through first, the content is great for introducing the seasons but a little challenging sentence structure for the lower grades.

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

Yes it is free from stereotyping, the book focused on the changes in nature rather than the actual human characters. There is not multicultural component however.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There are only two characters in the book, a grandfather and his grandson. The lack of female characters may be a point of discussion for a class.

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

No it does not. The book is a story narrative, it jut gives a human perception of the changes from a snowy winter to spring. No other where apparent.

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

Yes, while it isn't explicit in it's science process the book is very light hearted and gives a very nice depiction of what the spring looks like when transitioning from a harsh snowy winter. I didn't see any kind of technology in the book.