What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

The book fosters the development of processes through first providing the definitions of matter. It then provides examples of the types of matter. After that, it gives examples of ways to change states of matter.

• Author: Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
• Illustrator: Pail Meisel
• Year Published: 1998

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

This book is simply about matter and and the different kind matter, solids, liquids and gases. It provides the reader with the definitions of each along with some examples. The author and illustrator give the reader examples of ways to change the state of different kinds of matter.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book fosters the development of processes through first providing the definitions of matter. It then provides examples of the types of matter. After that, it gives examples of ways to change states of matter.

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

The book provides the opportunity to ask and answer their own questions by naming all kinds of matter and ways that you can tell what state they are in and how you can change their state. The children could be provided different kinds of matter and decide what category it would fall under. The children would be able to ask questions about what would happen when you cooled or heated different types of matter and experiment what would happen.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I think this book could encourage children to think for themselves because it opens to door to thinking about their surroundings and what kind of matter it might be. It could also discourage students to think for themselves because it does specifically explain each kind of matter. However, it gives examples of how to change states of matter which could encourage children to think for themselves about how they could change states of different types of matter.

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

We are currently learning about matter in my placement and this book would be a great choice to lay a foundation of what each type of matter is. This book would provide students with an understanding of what matter is. It also puts it into perspective for them because the book shows illustrations of children participating in activities which could motivate them to want to do the same.

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

All of the material in the book is true. It provides definitions of matter and each type of matter. It also gives examples of the different kinds of matter and how you can change their states.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The beginning of the book poses questions to the students that would not be considered facts but that is made clear. The book then makes a point to state that what the had said was not true and provide us with what is actually true. The rest of the book is then quite clear that the information is facts.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations portray what the author has written. Each illustration gives a clear picture of what the author is trying to portray. They give the reader a visual of exactly what is expected.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Most of my students would be able to read this book on their own. If not on their own, they would be able to read through it with a partner.

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

There is a multicultural component because it is obvious that there are multiple races shown. The book includes pictures of all races participating in all different activities.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Although this book does include pictures of boys and girls, the majority of the girls are dressed in "girl colors" and the boys in "boy colors." The girls are also participating in "girl activities," like playing with dolls and having lemonade stands, while the boys are playing with animals, trucks and baseballs.

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

There is not much association between science and other disciplines in this book. The only real association would be reading. However, you could incorporate a writing aspect with an activity that requires your students to write about what they learned.

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

This book makes science seem interesting and interactive. I feel like it would make the students want to participate in science activities because the book shows children interacting and doing experiments with matter. Overall, the book presents a positive attitude toward science.