As you can see below when reviewing the Quirkles Gilbert Gas book, both literacy and science are integrated into one fun story that connects fiction with informational text. Students not only make discoveries about carbon dioxide and how it is essential for life on Earth, they also reinforce literacy concepts which emphasize the three tiers of words discussed in the Common Core Standards. For the youngest of learners the hard G sound is emphasized throughout the story to reinforce phonemic awareness. There are also vocabulary builders—like the words gracious, gravel, and glorious. But the best part for most budding young scientists? After the shared reading activity, students, through either hands-on or group participation, get to “practice what is preached” through the four hands-on science experiments/activities that reinforce the science concepts.
Also note there are a multitude of writing, research, and discussion activities. Want to make it even more inquiry based? The Quirkles teacher guide More Quirkles Experiments really does take the science to a higher level.
