... and personal.
Up Close by Louise Gikow is a chapter book all about microscopes, how they came about, and what they are useful for. It begins by introducing the reader to what microscopes are, and how helpful they have been throughout the years. The book then moves along to talk about Antony van Leeuwenhoek- creator of one of the very first high-powered microscopes. It mentions that Robert Hooke and his compound microscope were what inspired van Leeuwenhoek's interest in microscopes. The text continues to talk about can Leeuwenhoek's life, and the many different things that he saw through his microscopes. Once it is through narrating his life, it transitions to a chapter about "Jurassic Vomit", in which the author discusses many details about the fossil discovered of fish which were regurgitated by an ichthyosaur, and how microscopes proved useful in examining it. The next chapter is all about Kellar Autumn and his studies on geckos. The main focus of this chapter is how geckos are able to walk on walls and vertical surfaces. Scientists were able to better understand the science behind the phenomena by examining microscopic images of geckos' feet hair. Up Close finishes up with a chapter about scientists examining the way environments are able to repair themselves after disasters. They were able to conduct this study by observing Mount St. Helens environment after an eruption. The text explains that with the help of microscopes, the scientists were able to examine different plants and other lifeforms that existed near Mt. St Helens. The book also includes a glossary at the end, and many interesting photos throughout.
This book could be incorporated with an exercise in which students observe a microscopic image, and write a story about what they see. Different students may see different things, resulting in different stories from student to student. This exercise would be a good one to encourage creativity while still improving their story making and telling skills.
This book could be incorporated with an exercise in which students observe a microscopic image, and write a story about what they see. Different students may see different things, resulting in different stories from student to student. This exercise would be a good one to encourage creativity while still improving their story making and telling skills.
*Grade level Equivalent: 4.0
*Interest Level: 3-5
Gikow, L. (2004). Up close: a chapter book. New York, NY: Children's Press.
ISBN: 0516246909
* Information found on scholastic.com
*Interest Level: 3-5
Gikow, L. (2004). Up close: a chapter book. New York, NY: Children's Press.
ISBN: 0516246909
* Information found on scholastic.com