Fictional Stories in Science
Using Fictional Stories as a Pathway to Science Content
Featured Book: “How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?”
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Schwartz & Wade Book, NY, 2007
Book Summary: “Charlie, the smallest child in his first grade class, is amazed to discover that of the three pumpkins his teacher brings to school, the smallest one has the most seeds.”
A great choice for this time of year. Featuring predictions, observation, estimation, group counting and process, this classroom story incorporates math, science and the co-construction of knowledge. Although geared more toward 1st-3rd, there are aspects of the story that could be used to launch a new investigation for the upper grades. The clues Mr. Tiffin shares with the class toward the end of the story added to my knowledge about pumpkins and left me with some wonderings of my own. Clever.
Science Topics
- Observation
- Prediction
- Math Connections
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Investigations
Literacy Connections
- Steps
- Process
- Directions
- Descriptions
- Providing Background Knowledge
Sociocultural Connections
- Emotional Connections/Perceptions shared from the main character
- Discussion about Perceptions: How we interact or think about others
Fictional Stories in Science 