4 Novels for Junior High Science
Charger at the A to Z Teacher Stuff forums asks:
I teach 6,7,and 8th grade Science. I love books and really want to include some novels into the curriculum or even just as something I have the kids do.
The lang. arts teacher reads The Giver and A Wrinkle In Time with them, so I need some more ideas. Anyone use anything good that I could use?
If you’re in the same situation, or if you’re a language arts teacher looking to add some science content to your curriculum, here are four books you might consider:
Flatland by Edwin Abbot – I love this little book. It’s maybe more appropriate for math teachers, but it’s a fantastic book. It tells the story of A Square and how he learns about the third dimension. As he learns about our dimension, we learn about possible fourth and fifth dimensions. It also helps students with a few basic geometric concepts. It’s short, its funny and it educates. Highly recommended and available free online.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – Most people think of censorship issues when they think of this book, but it also deals with issues relating to the impact of technology on our lives. Our seventh graders read this book every year. The ending is a bit weak, but Bradbury always gives students food for thought and discussion.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly – A bit much for 6th or 7th grade perhaps, but a great exploration of the ethics of science. I taught this a few times to eighth graders, and students were amazed at how much depth there was to the story compared to the movies and our cultural conception of the monster. For literature teachers it’s also a great exploration of the shadow character. Also available free online, it would make a good companion to a study of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
October Sky by Homer Hickam – I personally haven’t read it, but it’s a title you might consider. I’m only familiar with the movie and the rough details of the story.
If I had to only recommend one, I’d go with Flatland. Your students will love it and so will you.
