Explore Our List of Titles Linked to the AB Science Curriculum
This guide began as a way to help pre-service teachers at the University of Lethbridge connect to current, high-quality science titles that support the Alberta Curriculum. The grade-specific lists above will continue to evolve, and we encourage you to send suggestions using the contact information below. It is our hope that the selections will provide a starting point for two important activities: 1) Read-alouds to introduce and discuss scientific concepts while exploring the language and art of good literature; 2) Supporting and encouraging inquiry while providing meaningful opportunities to read informational text. The links below include sources for learning more about effective ways to use literature in the science classroom. The links also include comprehensive lists of science-themed literature including two notable projects from the University of Alberta.
Sources for Science Titles
- Outstanding Science Trade BooksCompiled by U.S. based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).
- A Trade Book Library for Elementary ScienceA bibliography of children's literature for Teaching and Learning Elementary Science in Alberta Schools. Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (CMASTE), University of Alberta (2008).
- A Trade Book Library for Elementary Science: Pt 2A bibliography of children's literature for Teaching and Learning Elementary Science in Alberta Schools. Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (CMASTE), University of Alberta (2008).
Professional Resources and Lesson Support
Picture-Perfect Science Lessons by
This newly revised and expanded 2nd edition of Picture-Perfect Science Lessons manages to surpass the original. Classroom veterans Karen Ansberry and Emily Morgan, who also coach teachers through nationwide workshops know elementary educators are usually crunched for science instruction time and could often use refresher explanations of scientific concepts. So the authors added comprehensive backgound notes to each chapter and included new reading strategies. They still show you exactly how to combine science and reading in a natural way with classroom-tested lessons in physical science, life science, and Earth and space science. And now they offer five brand-new lessons: "Batteries Included"; "The Secrets of Flight"; "Down the Drain"; "If I Built a Car"; and "Bugs!", bringing the total to 20. Both reluctant scientists and struggling readers will quickly find themselves absorbed in scientific discovery.
Call Number: 507 AnsPublication Date: 2010-05-01
Even More Picture-Perfect Science Lessons by
Ten years after publishing their first book, the authors have learned that teachers are always looking for new ways to engage children in reading and science through picture books. To meet that demand, the 15 all-new lessons in Even More Picture-Perfect Science Lessons bring you: even more convenience, you can cover reading and science content simultaneously and save time with ready-to-use student pages and assessments; even more confidence in your own expertise, as you get relevant science concepts and reading comprehension to keep your teaching on track; and even more ways to entice even reading phobic children, as each lesson makes students yearn to learn science from such captivating fiction and nonfiction picture books as Houdini the Amazing Caterpillar; Captain Kidd's Crew Experiments With Sinking and Floating; and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Publication Date: 2013-05-15
Teaching Science Through Trade Books by
Offers an ideal way to combine well-structured, ready-to-teach lessons, with strong curricular connections, and memorable books. By the same authors of the "Picture Perfect Science Lessons" series. Based on a regular column in NSTA's journal Science and Children.
Publication Date: 2012-03-01
- Braun, P (2010) Taking the time to read aloud. Science Scope 34(2), 45-49In a journal published by the National Science Teachers Association, author Patricia Braun asks the question: "how can reading aloud to middle school students be a valuable use of time?".
- Yacoubian, H. et. al. Teaching Scientific Inquiry Using Science Trade Books. Alberta Science Education Journal 41(1) 16-21.The January 2011 volume of the Alberta Science Education Journal (published by the Science Council of the Alberta Teachers' Association) features several excellent articles related to literacy and literature in the science classroom.
Some Favourites
Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Call Number: 811.6 SidPublication Date: 2005-04-04
Animals in Flight by Publication Date: 2005-05-30
