What Is a Scientist?

by Barbara Lehn, Barbara Lehn

Simple text and full-color photographs depict children engaged in various activities that make up the scientific process: asking questions, noticing details, drawing what they see, taking notes, measuring, performing experiments, and more.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Teaching, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple explanations of the activities a scientist undertakes. Photographs of real-life children engaged in scientific exploration further describe the text. Needs a glossary.

[Portable · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple, clear book that does exactly what its title suggests: explains what a scientist is, and what a scientist does. Photographs of children being scientists and investigating are great prompts for children to take on their own investigations. This book could have been designed for our Unit of inquiry on Investigations, and it gives children ownership of their learning by showing them how being a scientist is not just for adults.

[LadyHague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple book with photographs and one concept per page. Even though written for a younger age range than us (7-10), this is one I will be pulling out to reference with our science classes.

8-23
W-1
T-2
R-1

[Brittnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to teach about what a scientist is. The book is very inclusive without being forced.

[Dana Storytime Account · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book but it felt a little non-cohesive in my opinion.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for classroom curriculum. A simple explanation of what students should model/follow when performing experiments, etc. Pictures add to the book's information well. Wording is simple and easy to follow. The book is very short.
-science
-process
-scientist

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upping my star rating for this one. I really think it is an excellent look at what "science" looks like in a child's everyday life. Yes, the photographs are dated, but I do appreciate that there is diversity in race and gender and ability depicted.

[Debra]

Barbara Lehn

K - 2

Scientific Investigation

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview for younger kids

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not particularly interesting, and lots of big words. Good for a readaloud in school where the teacher can explain and discuss, but not one a child would really enjoy on their own.

[Mariah Jimenez]

1. no awards
2. kindergarten
3. Briefly describes things that make a scientist. The book goes through topics like questioning the world around you, making observations, and conducting experiments.
4. I like this book because it is simple and informative. It breaks down concepts so that small children can understand and learn from the book and it helps show children that they can be scientists too.
5. I would use this book with kindergarten to help show the children that they can do anything they set their minds to. It is a good resource to get the children involved in thinking about the world around them.