Blog 9

I am still on the chapter about science curriculum. The books are still talking about the life sciences. The first book on the list I liked is big blue whales. Of course I said I like whales so I was drawn to this book. But the thing I think as teachers we need to be careful that we don’t allow propaganda into are classroom. On subjects we have students read should be facts not assumptions. For example on global warming, we should show students facts about climate change but keep form trying to promote an agenda that says America is evil and we should give our I-phones , our 3D TVs, or SUVs. We teach the facts then allow them to learn to think for themselves. We as teachers should students to think not train them to be robots that regurgitate what we want them to say. Then allow the free flow of ideas. Students all should be able to speak what they believe the facts say about a subject without fear of ridicule or retaliation. We as a people have freedom of speech and religion and we should not be condemned for ideas that go against the norm.

Back to the book in the life sciences these books I thought would be interesting.

·         Ice Bear: In the Steps of the Polar Bear by Nicola Davies, Candlewick 2005, ISBN 0-7636-2759-3. I love polar bears, and the book talks about polar bears and its habitat. This book gives information about polar bears that seems that would help students learn about them.

·         A Pinky Is A Baby Mouse And Other Baby Animal Names by Pam Munoz Ryan, Hyperion 1997, ISBN 0-7868-1144-7. This title reminded me of one of favorite cartoons Pinky and the Brain. So learning about animals and what their young are called would seem fascinating to me. This book gives the names of animals in a rhyming way that sounds interesting.

Earth Science

·         Why Do Volcanoes Blow Their Tops?: Questions and Answers about Volcanoes and Earthquakes by Melvin and Gilda Berger, Scholastic 1999, ISBN 0-439-14878-2. The book takes a step by step look at the plate tectonic activity of the Earth. Starts off with basic knowledge and builds on that knowledge and helps students learn about earthquakes and volcanoes.

Water forms

·         The Mighty Mississippi : The Life and Times of America’s Greatest River by Linda Viera, Walker Books 2005, ISBN 0-8027-8943-9. With great art in the book which brings out the science about the book but also the history of the river, it is great for social studies or science.

Plants

·         Down To Earth: Garden Secrets! Garden Stories! Garden Projects You Can Do! By Michael J. Rosen , Harcourt 1998, ISBN 0-15-201341-5. This book gives projects that students can be actively involved with. So let students learn and get their hands dirty.