Infusion of Literacy into the Science Curriculum
Book Information
Title
I Fall Down
Author
Vicki Cobb
Publisher
HarperCollins
Copyright Year
2004
IBN#
30724639
Summary
What happens when you trip or when you drop
a ball? When something falls, which way does it
fall? Down, Down, Down! Do you know what
makes things fall? Renowned science author
Vicki Cobb explains the weighty subject of
gravity with such ease that even the youngest
kids will understand. Follow this book with a
child who loves to play. Have lots of dropping
races. Together you’ll learn how much fun
falling for science can be.
Availability
Arlington Central Library; APS Library system
(specify schools with these copies); Amazon (for
purchase).
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How can the book content be infused into the science curriculum?
Grade Level
K-5
Strands
Scientific Investigation, Force, Motion, and
Energy
Kindergarten
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
K.1; K.2- Five senses, descriptions and
sequencing
Grade 1
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
1.1- Classifying, measuring, predicting
Force, Motion, and Energy
1.2 – Moving Objects
Grade 2
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
2.1- Measurement, classification, graphs,
unexpected data
Grade 3
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
3.1- Making predications and observations, data
charted, drawing conclusion
Matter
3.3- Physical properties
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
4.1- Hypotheses, predictions, measurement
Grade 4
Grade 5
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic
5.1- Classification key, measurement, graphing
data, variables
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Sample Activities
Kindergarten
After reading the book to the class, we had a drop
race contest. Several objects such as a sponge,
baseball, tennis ball, pencil, eraser, and crayon
were selected for this race. Students were shown
the objects and asked which object they thought
would drop the fastest. After they made their
predictions, the students were handed each object
to weigh in their hands. After they had weighed
all objects, the students were asked if they would
change or keep their original predictions. All their
predictions were recorded and we created a chart
tallying which object would drop the fastest.
Several student volunteers were asked to drop an
object. After the race, we compared the results of
the race with their predications. We reviewed that
gravity is the reason why an object is pulled to the
ground. We also reviewed that weight is a factor
for an object falling faster to the ground. After the
first race, several different objects were selected
for the next round.
Grade 1
After reading the book to the class, we had a
racetrack contest. Several racetracks were put
together. Several round objects were selected.
Objects were categorized by size and material
(rubber, marble, cotton). Students were shown
the objects and asked which object would roll
down the track the fastest. After they made their
predictions, the students were handed each object
to weigh in their hands. After they weighed all
objects, the students were asked if they would
change or keep their original predictions. All their
predictions were recorded and we created a chart
tallying which object would roll down the fastest.
Several student volunteers were tasked with
rolling an object. After the race, we compared the
results of the race with their predications. We
reviewed that gravity is the reason why an object
is pulled to the ground. We also reviewed that
weight is a factor for an object falling faster to the
ground.
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