{"id":242,"date":"2008-09-10T15:45:42","date_gmt":"2008-09-10T20:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/archives\/242"},"modified":"2008-09-10T15:45:42","modified_gmt":"2008-09-10T20:45:42","slug":"teaching-physical-science-with-childrens-literature-machines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/2008\/09\/10\/teaching-physical-science-with-childrens-literature-machines\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Physical Science with Children’s Literature: Machines"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\"machines.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Simple machines can sometimes pose a more then simple problem in trying to find the appropriate book for your classroom. The book Machines<\/em>, by Janet Pallazzo-Craig has solved this problem with a phenomenal book that provides real life examples your students can relate to.<\/p>\n

This classroom-friendly chapter book provides a fun way and easy way to learn about the different machines in the world around us.\u00a0The most impressive part of the book is the way the author simplifies the vocabulary associated with simple machine and compound machines\u00a0into terms your students will comprehend.\u00a0 The real photographs accompanied with labeled diagrams will also solidify the students’ understanding of the material. In addition to exploring the six simple machines, the text explains compound machines which most books on this topic fail to do.\u00a0The number of comparing and contrasting activities are endless! \u00a0The interactive questions and bold text also make the book appealing.<\/p>\n

An example of a simple question built into the text that can engage the class is:<\/p>\n

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Did you know that a can opener is a compound machine? It is made of these simple machines working together: Lever (The hinged handle), Wheel and axle (The turning knob), Wedge (The sharp blade that cuts the metal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Curriculum Connections<\/strong>
\nMachines,\u00a0<\/em>would be the perfect book\u00a0to introduce students to simples machines and how they function.\u00a0The book gives examples found in school as well as at\u00a0home and\u00a0provides extensive explanations about simple and complex machines where students might have no prior knowledge.\u00a0If teaching in Virginia this book would directly address SOL 3.2 which investigates the understanding of simple machines and their uses.<\/p>\n

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