Infusion of Literacy into the Science Curriculum
Book Information
Title
The Shocking Truth About Energy
Author
Loreen Leedy
Publisher
Copyright Year
Holiday House
2010
ISBN#
ISBN-10: 0823423883
ISBN-13: 978-0823423880
Erg, an imaginary bolt of pure energy
appropriately, introduces energy basics: forms
of energy and the principle that energy can be
changed but not destroyed. Erg explains fossil
fuels, electricity, nuclear power,solar power,
wind power, water powergeothermal power, and
plant power: how we get and use each form of
power, and good and bad news about old and
new power sources. Three final pages of
sensible suggestions for energy saving
Arlington Libraries (Aurora Hills, Central,
Cherrydale, Columbia Pike, Glencarlyn,
Westover); APS Library system (Abington,
Ashlawn, Barrett, Campbell, Carlin Springs,
Drew, Glebe, Key, Oakridge, Taylor); Amazon
(for purchase).
Summary
Availability
1
How can the book content be infused into the science curriculum?
Grade Level
Strands
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
K-5
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic; Force, Motion, and Energy; Earth
Resources
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
K.1; K.2- Five senses, descriptions and
sequencing
Earth Resources
K.11- Reusing, recycling, conserving
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
1.1- Classifying, measuring, predicting
Earth Resources
1.8 – Resources are limited; air/water quality
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
2.1- Measurement, classification, graphs,
unexpected data
Earth Resources
2.8 – Benefits of plants
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
3.1- Making predications and observations, data
charted, drawing conclusion
Earth Resources
3.10 & 3.11- Different sources of energy,
Conservation and resource renewal
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
4.1- Hypotheses, predictions, measurement
Force, Motion, and Energy
4.2 & 4.3 – Electricity and electromagnets
Earth Resources
4.9 – Virginia’s natural resources
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
5.1- Classification key, measurement, graphing
data, variables
2
Sample Activities
Kindergar
ten
After reading the book to the class, students will observe solar
power melting ice cubes. You will need 2 clear glass pie plates,
1 sheet of white and 1 sheet of black construction paper, 2 ice
cubes, and a sunny spot outside. Please the sheets of black
and white paper on a sidewalk area in direct sun, with a handwidth space between the papers. Set a pie plate on each
paper and put an ice cube in the middle of the each pie plate.
After 5 minutes, students will check and observe to see which
ice cube has melted. Keep checking at 5 min. intervals until
one cube is completely melted (could take up to 30 minutes).
Since the white paper reflects the sun’s light/heat, the energy
bounces off and the ice cube takes longer to melt. The black
sheet absorbs the light/heat from the sun, melting the ice cube
more quickly.
Grade 4
After reading the book to the class, students created their own
class solar pizza oven by lining a pizza box with aluminum foil.
Glue the foil, shiny side facing in, on all inside sides of the box,
and the inside of the lid. Glue black construction paper to the
inside of the bottom of the box. Seal the bottom of the box
with plastic wrap, leaving a space between the lid opening to
slide food in. Place crackers with a small cheese slice on a
paper plate (or s’mores) and slide into oven, after placing it on
a sunny sidewalk. Use string and masking tape to adjust the
angle of the top reflector, so sunlight is reflected into the oven,
especially onto the food. Let the food cook, checking the angle
of the sun periodically, then enjoy the treat! Details at:
http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/4_6/pizza_box_oven/pizza_
box_ovens.htm
3