Reviewed by Peg Foster
Elementary Principal
As educators try to meet more and more content standards, they are constantly looking for tools to accomplish two goals at once. Snow and People is a book that allows just that; teachers can address science and literacy education at the same time. Designed for students in grades three through six, Snow and People takes young readers on a journey of exploration of winter weather and its effects on people.
The full-color illustrations point out such particulars as states of matter, freezing point of water, formation of snow, and what humans have to do to survive in the snow. The authors have included examples of how residents of cold climates have adapted their clothing and shelter to deal with snow. Every student will enjoy reading about winter sports, making snowballs, and how to predict if the weather will bring snow.
Throughout the book, age-appropriate activities supplement students’ learning. These activities are simple and easily accomplished in the classroom or at home. The book ends with a glossary of highlighted vocabulary terms. Snow and People is part of the eight-book The Science of Weather series that would make a great addition to the reference section of a lower elementary school library. In the quest to make the most of what seems like a shrinking school day, these books allow educators to integrate science into the literacy education curriculum.
Review posted on 7/12/2002
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