Oceans - The Seven Seas of Billy's Bathtub (with an introduction by Sydney Butler of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association)
Description
Authors : Ray Nelson Jr. , Doug Kelly
Flying Rhinoceros
, 1998
colour, hard cover
Grades : 3-6
Concepts : Oceans, sea life, fish, whales, sharks, cross-curricular, number sense, numeration, data management, geometry, classification systems
Subjects : Science, Mathematics, Language
CSC Evaluation
Curriculum Correlation
The program supports many of the Reading, Writing, and Oral and Visual Communication expectations for Grades 3-6 from The Ontario Curriculum, Language, (1997). There are opportunities to communicate information; to read and write for various purposes; to understand and use language conventions; to acquire new vocabulary; and to analyze and produce media works.
Depending on the teacher's choice of activities, the program supports The Ontario Curriculum, Mathematics, (1997), by addressing many of the overall expectations for Number Sense and Numeration (basic operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals as well as problem solving). Some of the overall expectations of Data Management (collect and organize data, interpret displays of data) and Geometry (build models of two and three-dimensional shapes) are also supported.
The program supports The Ontario Curriculum, Science and Technology, (1998) particularly the Life Systems Strand (Diversity of Living Things for Grade 6 - classification systems). It provides many opportunities for collecting and analyzing scientific data and experimentation that apply to Grades 3-6.
Content
Excellent factual material about life in the oceans uses appropriate terms and vocabulary. The text layout and story topic (a boy in a bathtub) are not suitable for Grade 4-6 students although the activities about oceans could be used with Grades 3-6. Students are given many opportunities to follow directions and use research skills. Sizes and weights of creatures are non-metric although there are a few Metric activities. The first person pronoun is unnecessarily and inappropriately written in the lower case throughout the text.
Methodology
Students are encouraged to have fun while learning. Teachers choose from non-sequential lessons with clearly defined objectives, sound instructional methodology, and excellent background information. Up-to-date, accurate information about ocean life is offered in many formats. Clear multidimensional learning tasks encourage students to use thinking skills. Art and Geography are often part of the lessons. More Ideas and Modifications are given which allows the teacher to vary the program or provide greater depth.
Assessment
Simple evaluation strategies are clearly laid out in each lesson and references (print, video, related topics, web sites, field trip ideas, and American aquariums) are suggested.
Format
The good quality hardcover text uses excellent design and engaging graphics to hold the learners' attention. Interesting print layout will appeal to students and a variety of entry and exit points allow for easy navigation. Font size used for factual information may be small for younger students. The Teacher's Guide is well-organized and useful. Some student work sheets are presented at a beginning and an advanced level. The kit contains 20 copies of the student Learning Books which would be an ideal class set for supplementary use.
Bias
No evident bias.
Contact Information
Mark Hansen
Flying Rhinoceros
1440 NW Overton
Portland, OR 97209
USA
Toll Free: 800 537-4466 ext. 8764
e-mail: mhansen@flyingrhino.com
http://www.flyingrhino.com
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Note: These learning resources are recommended by Curriculum Services Canada. However, such a recommendation is of the resource only and should not be construed as a general recommendation of the developer of such a resource or the developer's business or related activities. While CSC recommends a resource on pedagogical grounds, the end user is fully responsible for its use.