Hot and Cold
Step-up science Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Text, activities, and simple experiments explain the scientific concepts of hot and cold with examples from everyday life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the polar bear feel cold in the story?
How do you think the characters felt when they were too hot or too cold?
Can you think of a time when you were too hot or too cold? How did you take care of yourself?
Why is it important for the characters to find a comfortable temperature?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the temperature extremes the characters experience, which will help your child empathize with them.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child how they would feel or react, fostering a deeper connection to the narrative.
After reading, connect the story to real life by discussing times when you and your child felt similar to the characters in terms of temperature.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book, discussing the reasons for their choice and the feelings involved.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Opposites
Explanation: Through the playful exploration of temperatures, 'Hot and Cold' teaches children the concept of opposites in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by identifying and describing the nature of items in their environment, such as distinguishing between hot and cold beverages, or sunny and shady spots during outdoor play.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: 'Hot and Cold' encourages children to analyze situations by comparing different scenarios featuring hot and cold elements.
Real-World Application: This skill can help children in decision-making processes, like choosing appropriate clothing for the weather or deciding between hot or cold lunch options at school.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The book shows characters adapting to various temperatures, promoting flexibility in behavior depending on the situation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adjusting to different weather conditions, enhancing their ability to comfortably transition from one activity or environment to another.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Development
Explanation: By describing various hot and cold scenarios, the book enriches a child's descriptive vocabulary related to temperature.
Real-World Application: Enhanced vocabulary allows children to more effectively communicate their needs and observations, such as explaining how they feel in different weather conditions or indoor settings.