Primary Paired Texts
Science
IL State Standard:Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.11.A.1c Collect data for investigations using measuring instruments and technologies.
Scientific Instruments
Looking Through a Telescope by Linda Bullock
ISBN-13:978-0-516-27906-0
This title is part of the Rookie Read About Science series from Children’s Press. The text and illustrations show students how to use a telescope. Other scientific instruments are covered in the same series.
The Blackest Hole in Space by Penny Little
ISBN-13: 978-0-340-87758-6
This title is sure to spark student interests in outer space. After reading The Blackest Hole in Space by Penny Little students will be eager to take a look through a telescope to discover what the sky holds. Charlie and his dog travel through a black hole and back to their backyard in a rocket made with their dad.
IL State Standard: Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems. 11.B.1 Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design.
Scientific Inquiry
Mixing by Patricia Whitehouse.
ISBN-13: 978-1-40345-099-9
Mixing provides ideas for simple science experiments and demonstrations which can take place in the classroom or at home. This text is part of a series.
The Secret Science Fair Project that Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra ISBN-13: 978-1-41691-175-3
A young girl, who is not prepared for science fair, orders “super slime” off the internet. The consequences of not following the directions on the box are almost disastrous.
IL State Standard: Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt and change. 12.A.1a Identify and describe the component parts of living things (e.g., birds have feathers; people have bones, blood, hair, skin) and their major functions.
Human Body
Hair by Lola Schaefer
ISBN-13: 978-1-40340-893-8
Simple text allows early readers to find out about different types of hair and how it grows. Published by Capstone this text features photographs and an index.
Bibbity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Tarpley
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-52284-7
I Love My Hair! By Natasha Tarpley
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-52275-5
Natasha Tarpley explores the topic of hair and individuality in these wonderful books. Miles shares his feelings before, during, and after his first trip to the barbershop. Keyana discusses all the various way she can wear her wondrous hair. These titles could also be used when discussing appreciation of differences and new experiences.
IL State Standard: Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt and change. 12.A.1b Categorize living organisms using a variety of observable features (e.g., size, color, shape, backbone).
Organism Functions
What Can Fly? By Patricia Whitehouse
ISBN-13: 978-1-40344-365-6
The title discusses how different animals and machines fly. Published by Heinneman Raintree the book includes a picture glossary and is excellent for emergent readers.
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
ISBN-13: 978-0-15-280217-2
A baby bat looses its mother and is raised as a bird until she is reunited with her family. Author’s end notes include information on fruit bats, it is also highlighted that bats are the only mammals which can fly.
Illinois Learning Standard: Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them.12.F.1a Identify and describe characteristics of the sun, Earth and moon as familiar objects in the solar system.
Sunby Jim Pipe
ISBN-13: 978-1-932799-46-0
Pipe explores the sun’s control over the weather and our seasons. Solar energy use and the sun’s relation to the other planets is also discussed. An index and non fiction text features make this a good read a loud choice. Text level is too high for most primary students to read independently.
Hot, Hot, Hot by Neal Layton
ISBN-13:
Wooly mammoths Oscar and Arabella love the long cold winters of the ice age but in this book they have to also deal with the short but very hot summer.
Illinois Learning Standard: Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and Earth's place in it. 12.F.1b Identify daily, seasonal and annual patterns related to the Earth's rotation and revolution.
On Earth by Brian Karas
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-241063-9
Karas discusses big topics in this non fiction picture book. On Earth exposes students to Earth’s orbit, rotation, and tilt of the planet as they relate to our seasons, calendar, shadows, and length of our days. This title is a great read aloud but should be kept in the library and available for all students to study at their leisure.
Busy Busy Moose by Nancy Van Lann
ISBN-13: 978-0-395-96091-2
A friendly moose helps forest animals throughout the four seasons. This title is an easy reader and an excellent way to introduce the science content in a small group guided reading session.