Pistes d'exploration

Brainstorm ways we use fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal). How would life be different if you didn’t have access to these sources of energy?

Make a list of vocabulary related to fossil fuels. Divide the words among small groups. Make an illustrated glossary or anchor chart on the topic.

Create a cause-and-effect organizer to show one aspect of the production and use of fossil fuels. Arrange your pieces of writing in chronological order to clarify these processes.

Read the notes at the back and explore other resources to learn more about alternative sources of energy. Make a poster, video, multimedia presentation or flyer to raise awareness of non-fossil energy sources.

As a class, brainstorm what you know about fossil fuels.

Go for a picture walk and discuss your understanding of the pictures and graphs. Discuss how this book is illustrated compared to other non-fiction books.

As the book is read aloud, list the vocabulary related to fossil fuels. As a class, divide the words among small groups to make an illustrated glossary or anchor chart.

With a partner, create a mind map that demonstrates your understanding of the life cycle of fossil fuels.

Brainstorm a class list of vocabulary related to fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal). Divide the words among small groups. Make an illustrated glossary or anchor chart.

Show your understanding of the importance of carbon dioxide in your world, today and in the future, by summarizing the main facts in the book. Use graphic organizers, arrows, symbols and pictures. Be concise and creative.

Research sources of non-fossil energy. Make a poster, video, multimedia presentation or flyer to raise awareness of one of them. Show both sides of the story: their advantages and disadvantages.

Brilliant!: Shining a Light on Sustainable Energy, Why Should I Save Energy?, Try This at Home: Planet-Friendly Projects for Kids

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , earth sciences , energy , first-person narration , fossil fuels , global warming , sun , sustainable energy

Commentaire descriptif

This stunning book, told in an affecting first-person voice of the sun itself, brings readers directly inside the problem of climate change and our role in altering life on earth through our reliance on fossil fuels. With poetic and urgent language, we are reminded of our place in the universe: “I am your sun, your golden star. Even from 93 million miles away, I warm your land, your seas, your air, and chase the darkness from your days.” Lush full-page paintings show how small cities, cars and buildings appear, compared to the sky and the land, the sun and the sea. Diagrams and charts never break with the overall style. Tiny dotted beads of light populate the entire book and are reminiscent of aboriginal art—the dancing sun a living presence. We learn about photosynthesis, the cycle of life and carbon chains. Clear questions are put to the reader: “Where does energy come from?” Scientific terms, like “fossil fuels,” are defined with a lyricism and sensitivity that brings new perspective: “Like dinosaurs, they are ancient life that was buried underground.” This solid scientific resource, told through clear language and breathtaking illustrations, encourages a deep sense of custodianship for our planet. Notes at the back elaborate on the concepts found throughout.