Matter: Physical Science for Kids

This book is all about the development of process. The book really does a good job at scaffolding students into an understanding of matter and the STEM activities and questions really guide students through the process of learning about matter.

• Author: Andi Diehn
• Illustrator: Shululu
• Year Published: 2018
• ISBN: 978-1-61930-642-4

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book is an introduction to the concept of matter. Definitions are laid out and students are led to discover about matter through STEM activities and inquiry-based questions. Different states of matter are explored as well as what is and isn't matter. Students will find answers to many of their questions and the questions posed in the book through a reading of this literature.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book is all about the development of process. The book really does a good job at scaffolding students into an understanding of matter and the STEM activities and questions really guide students through the process of learning about matter.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

This book provides an opportunity for children to ask some questions, but mostly answer questions. There are a lot of pre-laid out questions in the book, which I think is okay based on the fact that it is an introductory book for students as young as kindergarten. These questions are legitimate and thought-provoking and deserve to be answered.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does encourage students to think for themselves. There are a lot of questions laid out to help students think individually. Also, the activities laid out help students see and discover a phenomena and come to their own conclusions about it.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

The topic is addressed very appropriately for the audience. It relates the topic of matter to the direct world around the students reading it. Students are hopefully able to relate to eating and ice cream cone or petting a dog, etc.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

This book is very scientifically accurate. It uses scientific terms that children can understand (if not there is a glossary in the back) and lays out basic definitions. It asks students questions, but always leads them to the correct though process on the following page if any thinking was incorrect.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book distinguishes between fact and fiction often. It talks about what the definition of matter is and examples of what is and is not. In addition, it debunks common misconceptions such as air is not matter by giving an activity to show the students firsthand what happens and if it would be matter based on the definition given.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations and very clear and accurate. They are beautifully made and expand perfectly on what the text is conveying. This book would be nice to read to ESL or bilingual classrooms because it is so easy to understand simply off the illustrations.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at the level of the audience it is intended for. The words are an accessory to the pictures and are not overwhelming on the page. Also, if some of the words are too difficult or new, there is a glossy in the back to aid in comprehension of these new terms.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

This book is free from stereotyping. There are people of all skin tones depicted throughout and they are all participating in a variety of different fun and engaging activities and jobs.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias. It shows both boys and girls equally doing a variety of activities and jobs.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

This book shows a close association to science and the world around you. It shows that everything can be related to science, classifying it as matter or non-matter. Science can be anything from looking out your window at a thunderstorm to jumping into a pool on a warm day.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

This book presents a positive attitude towards science and technology. The pages depict children laughing, smiling, and participating in activities they enjoy. Also, there are exclamation points throughout the text, telling the reader to read in an excited manner to keep the children interested and engaged.