Introducing Science Through Trade Books

Learning science through a language arts connection can only be fun. In this article two trade books are used to introduce students to scientific inquiry. One is a multicultural reading ab... See More

Learning science through a language arts connection can only be fun. In this article two trade books are used to introduce students to scientific inquiry. One is a multicultural reading about jumping beans. The other is about the life cycle of a butterfly. There are activities provided in both that are linked to the NSES. Reading a story in class is not uncommon in an elementary setting but why not use it for middle school students as well.

Give Me More

Using trade books to initiate a science lesson is not a new thing. This author uses a child’s reading book to start a 5E model for teaching science. What makes this article interesting is ... See More

Using trade books to initiate a science lesson is not a new thing. This author uses a child’s reading book to start a 5E model for teaching science. What makes this article interesting is how the author using the story about Mexican jumping beans in different grade levels and connecting them to the science standards for both K-3 and 4-6. In each of the two cases the author creates a 5E model of learning starting with the engagement and ending with evaluation. While this provides a great example of how to grab your audience it doesn’t go higher to the upper grades. Even students in high school like to be read to and a simple trade book can act as a hook to engage them as well.