Infusion of Literacy into the Science Curriculum

Book Information

Title / I Fall Down
Author / Vicki Cobb
Publisher / HarperCollins
Copyright Year / 2004
IBN# / 30724639
Summary / What happens when you trip or when you drop a ball? When something falls, which way does it fall? Down, Down, Down! Do you know what makes things fall? Renowned science author Vicki Cobb explains the weighty subject of gravity with such ease that even the youngest kids will understand. Follow this book with a child who loves to play. Have lots of dropping races. Together you’ll learn how much fun falling for science can be.
Availability / Arlington Central Library; APS Library system (specify schools with these copies); Amazon (for purchase).

How can the book content be infused into the science curriculum?

Grade Level / K-5
Strands / Scientific Investigation, Force, Motion, and Energy
Kindergarten / Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
K.1; K.2- Five senses, descriptions and sequencing
Grade 1 / Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
1.1-  Classifying, measuring, predicting
Force, Motion, and Energy
1.2 – Moving Objects
Grade 2 / Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
2.1- Measurement, classification, graphs, unexpected data
Grade 3 / Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
3.1- Making predications and observations, data charted, drawing conclusion
Matter
3.3- Physical properties
Grade 4 / Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
4.1- Hypotheses, predictions, measurement
Grade 5 / Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
5.1- Classification key, measurement, graphing data, variables

Sample Activities

Kindergarten / After reading the book to the class, we had a drop race contest. Several objects such as a sponge, baseball, tennis ball, pencil, eraser, and crayon were selected for this race. Students were shown the objects and asked which object they thought would drop the fastest. After they made their predictions, the students were handed each object to weigh in their hands. After they had weighed all objects, the students were asked if they would change or keep their original predictions. All their predictions were recorded and we created a chart tallying which object would drop the fastest. Several student volunteers were asked to drop an object. After the race, we compared the results of the race with their predications. We reviewed that gravity is the reason why an object is pulled to the ground. We also reviewed that weight is a factor for an object falling faster to the ground. After the first race, several different objects were selected for the next round.
Grade 1 / After reading the book to the class, we had a racetrack contest. Several racetracks were put together. Several round objects were selected. Objects were categorized by size and material (rubber, marble, cotton). Students were shown the objects and asked which object would roll down the track the fastest. After they made their predictions, the students were handed each object to weigh in their hands. After they weighed all objects, the students were asked if they would change or keep their original predictions. All their predictions were recorded and we created a chart tallying which object would roll down the fastest. Several student volunteers were tasked with rolling an object. After the race, we compared the results of the race with their predications. We reviewed that gravity is the reason why an object is pulled to the ground. We also reviewed that weight is a factor for an object falling faster to the ground.

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