Perfect Pairs: Using Fiction & Nonfiction Picture Books to Teach Life Science, K-2

Hands-on lessons can be fun and compelling, but when it comes to life science, they aren't always possible, practical, effective, or safe. Children can't follow a lion as it stalks a gazelle, visit the exotic kapok tree in a rain forest, or swim alongside the underwater life in a pond. But they can explore a whole world of animals, plants, and ecosystems through the pages of beautifully illustrated, science-themed picture books.<br> <br><i>Perfect Pairs</i>, which marries fiction and nonfiction picture books focused on life science, helps educators think about and teach life science in a whole new way. Each of the twenty-two lessons in this book is built around a pair of books that introduces a critical life science concept and guides students through an inquiry-based investigative process to explore that idea - from animal/environment interactions to the role of structure in plant and animal survival, from inheritance of traits to variation of species.<br> <br> Each lesson starts with a &quot;Wonder Statement&quot; and comprises three stages. &quot;Engaging Students&quot; features a hands-on activity that captures student interest, uncovers current thinking, and generates vocabulary. The heart of the investigative process, &quot;Exploring with Students,&quot; spotlights the paired books as the teacher reads aloud and helps students find and organize information into data tables. &quot;Encouraging Students to Draw Conclusions&quot; shows students how to review and analyze the information they have collected. Bringing high-quality science-themed picture books into the classroom engages a broad range of students, addresses the Performance Expectations outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards, and supports the goals of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.<br> <br> Even if you are science shy, <i>Perfect Pairs </i>can help you become a more confident teacher whose classroom buzzes with curious students eager to explore their natural world.