Oh No! Science Fiction!

"Oh No!: Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World"

By Mac Barnett

Science Fiction Picture Book

Illustrated by Dan Santat

Published by Disney- Hyperion (June 2010)
Text and illustrations copyright by Mac Burnett

40 pages

Genre: Science Fiction Picture Book

Students of all ages will be intrigued from the first page of this book. A young girl constructs a gigantic robot for her science project. However, she forgets to program it to be able to listen to her commands. The robot goes on a rampage and a lot of damage follows its path. She has to create new ideas to solve the problems her inventions create. This book will open children's creative minds and encourage them to imagine what they would do if they were in this story.

The images in this book are very detailed and neat. They appear to be created using colored pencils and computer enhancements. The images are very colorful and accurately depict the emotions and events that occur within the story. Additionally, the images are in the same color tone througout, which allows continuity to carry readers through the story. The illustrations in this book serve to enhance the story and tell a deeper element of what the author is conveying. 

Standard: 

Science 

Grade: 3rd

3 ) Explore objects that can be manipulated in order to determine cause-and-effect relationships. 

I would use this story as an opener to a STEAM lesson. It would be used to introduce elements of creating your own project to the students. Then, they would be asked to create their own robot or science project that creates a problem that must be solved.