Genre: Science

Science in an Elementary classroom evolves around inquiry based investigations to promote understanding.  Science concepts can be very challenging to those students who do not have adequate prior knowledge; that is where literature plays a key role.  Michigan State University, states: Children's literature is a common thread, weaving various content into investigative learning as it enhances the study of all content areas.  The introduction of accurate trade books into the elementary curriculum facilitates a connection with content by providing background knowledge, the introduction of new ideas and vocabulary as well as the catalyst to motivate students to learn more about a topic of study.  Choosing quality texts that are accurate, appropriate and fit the content of your lesson will increase student's understandings.

My Favorite Picks:

Stowell, L., & Allen, P. (2009). The story of astronomy and space. London: Usborne.

Lexile: not found, Book suggested ages 7-9
Complexity Band: 4-5

This science text is published by Usbourne, so it is a recommended quality text.  The text format  moves from simple to more complex and is written in question-answer form.  There are random activities to do to illustrate the text meaning.  One example is an activity to show what the sun is doing while the earth rotates.  Students are asked to shine a flashlight right on ground and observe how intense the light is and then to represent the sun during winter months; students are asked to  tip the flashlight so the light comes down at a less intense angle.  This is a simple activity that requires little to no prep and could easily be added to a class discussion.  There are also real photos with illustrations to add meaning to the text.  My favorite part of this book is the back where there is a timeline of important events in astrology.  There are also star maps for the different seasons that will help students find constellations.  This book is filled with complex themes but is written in a kid friendly way.  This book would be best suited for 3rd to 4th grade but could be used with scaffolding for younger grades.  This is a great asset to your library, students are always interested in stars.

Greenwood, M., & Appleton, P. (2013). Amazing giant wild animals. New York: DK Pub.

Lexile: not found, estimated Grade Equivalent would be 1.2
Complexity Band: K-1

This text is credible in that it is published by Discovery Kids.  This text is filled with hard cover pages that fold out or fold up for huge photographs of life animals.   An animal is presented every few pages.  Every animal has a content page to help access the book.  For each animal there is a menu posted on what they eat, a map of the region the animal is located, and unique facts about the animal.  This book also has a atypical feature, sowing the scale of the animal to a human.  I think this feature would be a great way to incorporate Math, Science and Reading.  Students could learn the concept of scale (in reference to size) using animals in a math lesson but also apply the concept to other things as well.  This text is suited for students as young as kindergarten due to the incredible images and appeal qualities but can be extended to 4th grade with the complex themes.  The book is full of facts and not really written in paragraph form so is suited for developing readers.  A great find!