The Solid Truth about States of Matter, written by Agnieszka Biskup, contains four distinct chapters. In the first chapter, Max describes how everything is made of matter. He describes that matter can be hard or soft, any color, and any texture. He discusses the difference between mass and weight. The book reviews that atoms and molecules are always moving; and how fast they move depends on their form. The second chapter describes the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. In the third chapter, Max discusses melting, boiling, and freezing. The final section describes the difference between evaporation and condensation. Max presents how the different states of matter are important in our everyday lives. This book contains a glossary and index in the back and additional book resources. This book is written in a cartoon format that kids may find enjoyable.
Curriculum Connections
This book can be used in the classroom to understand the properties of solid, liquids and gases. It contains useful picture examples of how water can be a solid, liquid, or gas. It also describes how molecules in a solid barely move at all, and when you heat a solid, the molecules move around more (VA SOL 2.3a and b). Additionally, the processes of evaporation and condensation are described. This book provides real life examples that children can use to understand the concepts more clearly. It reviews why you would feel cold when you leave a swimming pool, as water evaporating on your skin draws heat from your body. Additionally, it explains that when you sweat your body cools itself off through this evaporation (VA SOL 2.3c). This book contains examples that will help young children understand these processes and how they can apply them in their day to day activities.
Additional Resources
- This website contains a solids, liquids, and gases picture card game with easier and more diffficult levels. It also includes a connect four game using the different states of matter.
- This website provides examples of the states of matter and uses sound to help aid understanding. This site would be helpful for visual and auditory learners.
- This website provides a hands on activity that will help second graders understand the concept of how states of matter change depending on temperature.
Book: The Solid Truth about States of Matter
Author: Agnieszka Biskup
Illustrated: Cynthia Martin and Barbara Schulz
Publisher: Capstone Press
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 32 pages
Grade Range: 2
ISBN: 978-1-4296-2339-1