{"id":1625,"date":"2009-09-05T12:08:23","date_gmt":"2009-09-05T17:08:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/archives\/1625"},"modified":"2009-09-05T12:08:23","modified_gmt":"2009-09-05T17:08:23","slug":"teaching-physical-science-with-childrens-literature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/2009\/09\/05\/teaching-physical-science-with-childrens-literature\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Physics — Why Matter Matters<\/a> by Dan Green is an\u00a0engaging\u00a0guide to deciphering the mysteries of physics.\u00a0 Geared towards students in grades 2-6, this book introduces the elements of physics as wacky, cartoon-style characters, that are grouped in the following ways: “Old School” (mass, weight, density, etc.), “Hot Stuff” (energy, entropy, etc.), “Wave Gang” (sound, frequency, etc.), “Light Crew” (radio wave, microwave, etc.), “Atom Family” (proton, electron, etc.), “Nuclear Heavies” (radioactivity, alpha particle, etc.), and “Electric Cuties” (static electricity, electric current, etc.). Each\u00a0 grouping\u00a0starts with an introduction and every concept is given its own spread that shows the cartoon figure and describes its “personality.” The information is presented in an engaging, kid-friendly\u00a0tone.\u00a0 Along with the narrative, which is written in the first person from the concept’s point of view, other key facts are presented.<\/p>\n

Curriculum Connections<\/strong>
\nThis book would be a wonderful “hook” to use in the “engage” phase of a learning cycle lesson.\u00a0 Since abstract concepts of physics are introduced via cartoon characters, the book could also serve as a handy guide to writing and performing a scientific play.\u00a0 Each student could perhaps take on the role of one physical concept\/character.\u00a0 These activities would foster greater retention of knowledge and allow students to forge connections to the material.\u00a0 This book covers the following concepts: mass, weight, density, speed, acceleration, force, inertia, friction, gravity, energy, entropy, vacuum, radiation, water wave, sound, earthquake, frequency, and many more.\u00a0 All these things relate to the Force, Motion. Energy, and Matter standards in grades 2 through\u00a06.<\/p>\n

Additional Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n