{"id":1670,"date":"2009-09-07T15:42:18","date_gmt":"2009-09-07T20:42:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/archives\/1670"},"modified":"2009-09-07T15:42:18","modified_gmt":"2009-09-07T20:42:18","slug":"teaching-physical-science-with-childrens-literature-follow-the-water-from-brook-to-ocean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/2009\/09\/07\/teaching-physical-science-with-childrens-literature-follow-the-water-from-brook-to-ocean\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you’re searching for a traditional picture book (not too technical or difficult to read aloud) to incorporate into a science lesson, Arthur Dorros’s Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean<\/a> is worth looking into.\u00a0 This “Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out” book uses simple language and adorable illustrations to discuss how water makes its way to the ocean, and includes other science concepts along the way.<\/p>\n

The book begins in a rainstorm and from there launches into an explanation of how and why water droplets form puddles, and eventually brooks, which flow into streams, which flow into rivers, and into the ocean. \u00a0 Dorros does a wonderful job of making connections between the science concepts presented and everyday life.\u00a0 For example, he writes, “Water always flows downhill.\u00a0 It flows from high places to low places, just the way you and your skateboard move down a hill.”\u00a0 The main idea behind the book is how (and where) water flows, but other concepts are included, as well, which gives teachers flexibility regarding how they incorporate it into their lessons. Plant and animal life, conservation and pollution issues, and even the Grand Canyon are mentioned, making this book a great choice for a variety of lesson topics.<\/p>\n

Curriculum Connections<\/strong>
\nFollow the River from Brook to Ocean <\/em>is appropriate for children in the primary grades, and might be expanded upon with additional discussion for older children.\u00a0 It’s great for SOL K.5, which focuses on water flow and the properties of water, and could also be used with K.10, which addresses water conservation.\u00a0 Because it does mention lots of different water-related concepts, the text is conducive to class discussion and might be a great way to introduce a variety of science lessons.<\/p>\n

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