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Baa!: The Most Interesting Book You’ll Ever Read about Genes and Cloning
The Mysterious You series explores the mysteries of the human body using an exciting mix of thoroughly researched factual information, amazing anecdotes and surprising try-it activities. In Baa!, kids unravel the mysteries of genes and see how traits like dimples and hair colour are passed down through their family tree. They can then explore the secrets of cloning -- what it is and what changes it may bring in the future. Kids can learn about * natural selection * genetic mutations * DNA and forensics * gene mapping * cloning in nature and in the lab * future predictions With simple language and kid-friendly examples, Baa! helps demystify an intriguing, but often difficult-to-grasp, subject in a way that kids can understand.
- GenresNonfictionScience
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Pratt Nicolson
25 books16 followersCynthia Pratt Nicolson is a teacher and an award-winning children’s author who has written several non-fiction books. She lives on Bowen Island, British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 31, 2013
pairing for The Angel Experiment Maximum Ride.
Baa! : The most interesting book you'll ever read about genes and cloning
Non-fiction
Pairing
I paired this book with Maximum Ride #1 because they both deal with DNA, including altering and experimenting with DNA. Maximum Ride is a Quick Picks for reluctant Readers winner, and this book will appeal to reluctant readers because of the silly approach.
Audience
I would give this book to a reluctant reader because of the funny approach. A student who is interested in DNA and cloning will find this book useful and interesting. I would also give this book to a teacher who wants a launching off point for class discussions on DNA issues.
SOL
LS.12 The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key concepts include
a) the structure and role of DNA;
e) genetic engineering and its application
• Genes are sections of a chromosome that carry the code for a particular trait. An allele is an alternate form of a gene.
• In genetic engineering, the genetic code is manipulated to obtain a desired product.
• Genetic engineering has numerous practical applications in medicine, agriculture, and biology.
• explain that DNA contains coded instructions that store and pass on genetic information from one generation to the next.
• identify aspects of genetic engineering and supply examples of applications. Evaluate the examples for possible controversial aspects.
BIO.5 The student will investigate and understand common mechanisms of inheritance and protein synthesis. Key concepts include
a) genetic variation;
b) use, limitations, and misuse of genetic information; and
c) exploration of the impact of DNA technologies.
• Inserting, deleting, or substituting DNA bases can alter genes. An altered gene may be passed on to every cell that develops from it, causing an altered phenotype. An altered phenotype may be neutral, beneficial or detrimental. Sometimes entire chromosomes can be added or deleted, resulting in a genetic disorder. These abnormalities may be diagnosed using a Karyotype.
Review Source
Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database review: http://www.clcd.com/index.php/booksea...
Selection Criteria
o Authority: The author conducted extensive research on this topic including interviews with scientist and experts in the field.
o Accuracy: The text is current with regards to the research being conducted in this field. While the approach is sometimes comical, the information is factual and informative.
o Relevance to Curriculum: This book covers a wide range of SOLs and city objectives over various grade levels. Topics are current and highly debated.
o Appropriateness: At first the book seems too silly to be useful, but the basics of the topics are covered using scientific language appropriate for middle and high school students.
o Scope: A wide range of sub topics are covered in this book. Many different fields of genetics are introduced, and many of the social and moral issues are discussed.
o Literary Merit: Illustrations are funny but they get help with the explanation and understanding of the topics. The Headings are well organized, and sidebars help understanding with alternative explanations and student activities.
o Value to the Collection: This text will appeal to someone interested in science, but not wanting to read a long and detailed book about only a few topics in the field of genetics. A teacher can use this book to help begin discussions on genetics, cloning, and DNA alteration.
Ordering Information
Baa! : The most interesting book you'll ever read about genes and cloning, By : written by Cynthia Pratt Nicolson. 2001 by Kids Can Press,(Library Binding): 978-1439543009 $15.26
Baa! : The most interesting book you'll ever read about genes and cloning
Non-fiction
Pairing
I paired this book with Maximum Ride #1 because they both deal with DNA, including altering and experimenting with DNA. Maximum Ride is a Quick Picks for reluctant Readers winner, and this book will appeal to reluctant readers because of the silly approach.
Audience
I would give this book to a reluctant reader because of the funny approach. A student who is interested in DNA and cloning will find this book useful and interesting. I would also give this book to a teacher who wants a launching off point for class discussions on DNA issues.
SOL
LS.12 The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key concepts include
a) the structure and role of DNA;
e) genetic engineering and its application
• Genes are sections of a chromosome that carry the code for a particular trait. An allele is an alternate form of a gene.
• In genetic engineering, the genetic code is manipulated to obtain a desired product.
• Genetic engineering has numerous practical applications in medicine, agriculture, and biology.
• explain that DNA contains coded instructions that store and pass on genetic information from one generation to the next.
• identify aspects of genetic engineering and supply examples of applications. Evaluate the examples for possible controversial aspects.
BIO.5 The student will investigate and understand common mechanisms of inheritance and protein synthesis. Key concepts include
a) genetic variation;
b) use, limitations, and misuse of genetic information; and
c) exploration of the impact of DNA technologies.
• Inserting, deleting, or substituting DNA bases can alter genes. An altered gene may be passed on to every cell that develops from it, causing an altered phenotype. An altered phenotype may be neutral, beneficial or detrimental. Sometimes entire chromosomes can be added or deleted, resulting in a genetic disorder. These abnormalities may be diagnosed using a Karyotype.
Review Source
Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database review: http://www.clcd.com/index.php/booksea...
Selection Criteria
o Authority: The author conducted extensive research on this topic including interviews with scientist and experts in the field.
o Accuracy: The text is current with regards to the research being conducted in this field. While the approach is sometimes comical, the information is factual and informative.
o Relevance to Curriculum: This book covers a wide range of SOLs and city objectives over various grade levels. Topics are current and highly debated.
o Appropriateness: At first the book seems too silly to be useful, but the basics of the topics are covered using scientific language appropriate for middle and high school students.
o Scope: A wide range of sub topics are covered in this book. Many different fields of genetics are introduced, and many of the social and moral issues are discussed.
o Literary Merit: Illustrations are funny but they get help with the explanation and understanding of the topics. The Headings are well organized, and sidebars help understanding with alternative explanations and student activities.
o Value to the Collection: This text will appeal to someone interested in science, but not wanting to read a long and detailed book about only a few topics in the field of genetics. A teacher can use this book to help begin discussions on genetics, cloning, and DNA alteration.
Ordering Information
Baa! : The most interesting book you'll ever read about genes and cloning, By : written by Cynthia Pratt Nicolson. 2001 by Kids Can Press,(Library Binding): 978-1439543009 $15.26
August 19, 2015
I picked this book up for a quarter. My kids enjoyed it/didn't even get bored halfway though. I actually learned a few things I didn't know, too. It might take a silly approach but it is hopeful. It is a solid introduction to genetics without being condescending. The cover recommends it for ages 9-14. I can vouch for 8-10. We will definitely check out other titles in this series.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews