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Integrating science into the upper elementary classroom can be difficult with so much emphasis on Common Core standards in math and ELA. So often, science and social studies is an afterthought in the education of the United States student. Knowing the pressures of the classroom teacher, I have been creative in infusing literacy skills and concepts into my science curriculum so that students are engaged and so that administrators can be persuaded into seeing the value of science as part of a well-rounded education. One way that I have been infusing literacy into my classroom is through integrating picture books in science.
Having a master’s degree in literacy, I feel that the skills needed to become a good reader should transpire throughout all content areas. For example, science is a topic that I am so passionate about because of its hands-on, real-life nature. While all of my science units include informational reading passages for students to gain knowledge about the concept, I realized I wanted to do more.
One goal of mine is to incorporate picture books into the science curriculum. Picture books help stimulate students in different ways. Students are drawn in not only by the wording of the book but also by the pictures. For struggling readers, picture books help them gain a better understanding of what is going on in the story.
Why use picture books in science with upper elementary and secondary students?
- Illustrations are just as important as words. The illustrations can help them observe more about the story and make deeper inferences.
- Picture books will better hold student attention than informational text articles.
- “Colorful pictures and graphics in picture books are superior to many texts for explaining abstract ideas” (Kralina 1993).
- Improve reading skills in science. Picture books give you another opportunity to work on critical thinking skills.
- Correct science misconceptions. Picture books are more likely to have scientific inaccuracies. This is OK because it gives you an opportunity to have a conversation about it and correct student thinking.
- Reading aloud allows you to model fluency for your students. It also allows you to continue to work on comprehension strategies as you stop and question student knowledge.
How to Use Picture Books in the Science Classroom.
How you use picture books in your classroom is entirely up to you. You can use it:
- Introducing the topic will allow all students to gain background knowledge before they start learning about the science concept. Having this information will prep their minds into focusing on the concept. It will also engage them on the topic and get their minds to question what they are learning about.
- Wherever you see fit! It’s your classroom, your science unit, your students. If you know you have a few minutes left and can squeeze in reading, go for it. While you can make it an activity for the class period, it doesn’t HAVE to be. Sometimes the most meaningful lessons were when my students and I were having a conversation about a book.
- At the end of the unit – once your students have gained all the knowledge to rock the science concept, you can reinforce their learning through a picture book. Your questioning will determine how much, or how little, they will get out of it.
Where do I start?
Here are some picture books that I have used or researched to use for my science units. Have a great idea? Share it below!
Observations and inferences:
- Seven Blind Mice: When reading, do not show students the pages that depict the elephant. Have them guess what the mice are running on.
- Dr. Xargle’s Book of Earth Hounds (Scroll to the bottom for an activity I put together to use with my students for free!)
States of Matter:
- What is the World Made of? Reviews the basics of the states of matter and how they change.
Chemical and physical changes:
- Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle – I will also be making pancakes with my students to question them about the physical and chemical changes while we are cooking.
Force and Motion:
- Gravity is a Mystery Another book that gives students the basics of the concept. Great for an introduction to your unit.
Environmental Hazards
These books help to support a unit on natural disasters or environmental issues in the world.
- Oil Spill by Melvin Berger This book would be an awesome introduction to a project on an oil spill. Students could then simulate an oil spill and how the constraints that come with protecting the environment.
- Prince William by Gloria Rand
- Save the Turtles!
- Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out by April Pulley Sayre
- Turtle Watch by Saviour Pirotta
Food Chains and Food Webs:
Butternut Hollow Pond: Review ecosystems using this delightful book that is also rich in figurative language.
Human Body:
Magic School Bus: The Human Body
I am Human by Susan Verde
Read about more great books (nonfiction and fiction) for science teachers by clicking here.
I am Human by Susan Verde
Read about more great books (nonfiction and fiction) for science teachers by clicking here.
Need more ideas to turn your students into “wild readers”? Check out these ideas here.
Creating a Passion for Reading During Science // The Owl Teacher
Developing a “Love of Reading” ATTITUDE // Tarheelstate Teacher
Strategies to Help Motivate Reluctant Readers // The Little Ladybug Shop
3 Easy Ways to Instill a Love of Books with Students // Think Grow Giggle
How to Promote a Love of Reading In Your Classroom // The Stellar Teacher Company
Looking for more great ideas to add to your science classroom? Consider joining my science tribe. You will receive weekly tips and ideas to implement into your classroom easily. Sign up below to access the F-R-E-E resources to use with Dr. Xargle’s Book of Earth Hounds.
