What’s Up, What’s Down?

Yes, this book focuses on the concept of making predictions and hypotheses. Each page is set up to ask a question, and the following page is set up to answer the previous question, and then pose another question. The familiar Q & A style keeps readers on their toes

• Author: Lola M. Schaefer
• Illustrator: Barbara Bash
• Year Published: 2002
• ISBN: 978-0060297572

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Summary

This book starts out with a disclaimer, which asks the reader to hold it lengthwise, and read it from back to front, and front to back. The engaging formatting of the text grabs readers and takes them on a journey to learn about size and relative size. Each page reveals what was above the page before, and below the page after. This order of the book keeps reader's on their toes, and keeps them constantly thinking about what they are reading.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book focuses on the concept of making predictions and hypotheses. Each page is set up to ask a question, and the following page is set up to answer the previous question, and then pose another question. The familiar Q & A style keeps readers on their toes

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

This book is asking their own questions on each page, which eliminates some of the questions that the readers may comes up with on their own. It does, however, open the doors for readers to ask their own questions based off of the questions posed in the text. The illustrations are another area that may create a space to ask questions, because comparing and contrasting size may be confusing for some of the younger readers.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes and no, since it has this predictable format, it doesn't leave much space for the students to think on their own. The Q & A style is good for posing questions and answering them right away, but it leaves little time for them to wonder on their own. If it was read as a read-aloud, the teacher could encourage responses and individual guesses by not reading the answers right away.

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

Yes, the content is appropriate for the lesson. I would use this text to introduce concepts of size.

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

Yes, the entire book is based on the hierarchy of size throughout our planet, incorporating things from space and animals from earth. The sizes are very accurate and scientifically sound. The text does a great job of keeping it relevant to young children, but also giving information about the way the world works in terms of size.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This text is all fact. There are no fictional components to decipher or navigate, so this question isn't relevant to this book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are awesome! They leave some aspects to the imagination, as some of the animals are portrayed up close. They also depict the animals as if they are moving, which gives a very realistic sense to the images. They are all also presented in the correct size, in relation to one another.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this would definitely work for a first grade class. The concept of size seems to be difficult for younger children, as they struggle with abstract thinking, but this text makes it accessible for them. It gives them the opportunity to get their toes wet with relative size and making predictions and critical thinking, without getting overwhelmed.

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

There is not multicultural component to the book, as the illustrations are all of animals. But there are no stereotypes throughout the book. Since the animals don't have races, ages, ethnicities, or genders, the book steers clear of any potentially offensive language or pictures.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, all of the pictures in the book are of animals, and it is free of any gendered pronouns. Both of these aspects make it an excellent book for any child.

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

No, it is strictly science aside from the fact that it is a book, which would inherently incorporate literacy and language arts. As a teacher, I would like to do a writing assignment to tie in writing, that asks the students to create their own version of the book that includes components of their own lives.

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

Yes, it is talking about relative size and creating predictions in a very exciting and appropriate way. The suspense from page to page creates an overall positive attitude towards science, and keeps them engaged, which will both make students more ready to learn.