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Max Goes to the Moon
Last updated Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Author: Jeffrey Bennett
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 0972181903
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2009
Synopsis:
Max goes to the Moon combines a lavishly illustrated picture book format with fundamental science concepts. In this adventure, Max the Dog and his young human friend Tori undertake a quest to make the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era. Their trip inspires the nations of the world to join together to build a Moon colony. The engaging story encourages children to learn, dream, and explore, while offering the message that we live on a precious planet. Everything that happens in the story corresponds to scientific principles which are clearly explained in "Big Kid Boxes" that appear on each page. At the end of the book there is a simple science-based activity that children and parents can enjoy together.
| Note to readers: |
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Vocabulary: Water tank, Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, NASA, moonship, posterity, airtight
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During the book note the side boxes, which offer more scientific explanations.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Where is Max?
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Who do you think Max is?
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What is he wearing? Can dogs be astronauts?
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Would a dog on the moon howl at the earth?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Where is Max?
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Who do you think Max is?
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What is he wearing? Can dogs be astronauts?
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Would a dog on the moon howl at the earth?
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What do you think it feels like when you walk on the moon?
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If you could go anywhere in the universe, where would you go?
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If there was a college on the moon, would you go?
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What do you think you need to go there? (space, or college?)
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make a Solar System Mobile. Cut out the planets and stars from different colored construction paper. Attach string to each planet/star and/or attach several planets/stars to a longer string. Vary the strings for a different affect. Take 2 wooden sticks, cross them together and attach them with a rubber band or string. Attach the strings with the planets/stars to the wooden sticks.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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