Annotated Bib - Basic Properties of Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Matter is all around us! You, the world, and everything in the entire universe are made of matter. Matter exists in three forms, or states--solid, liquid, and gas. The following books and web sites are excellent resources to teach the basic properties of matter to second graders.

Books
Change It! Solids, Liquids, Gases and You. By Adrienne Mason. Illus. by Claudia Davila. 2006. 32p. Kids Can Press, (9781553378389). Gr. 2 - 5.

Change It! takes the physics of matter and transforms it into an easy-to-understand science book for younger students. This book is filled with surprising facts and hands-on activities to explore the states of matter.


Matter: See It, Touch It, Taste It, Smell It. By Darlene Stille. Illus. by Sheree Boyd. 2006. 24p. Picture Window Books, (9781404803442). Gr. 2 - 5.

This book explains the three states of matter and how they can change. In particular, the book presents everyday activities that involve matter such as camping, riding a scooter, and swimming. Additionally, this book features "Fun Facts" strategically placed on certain pages, as well as a simple experiment to explore solids.


Solid, Liquid, or Gas?. By Sally Hewitt. Illus. by Ray Moller. 1998. 32p. Children's Press, (9780516263939). Gr. 2 - 4.

Children are natural scientists and learn by touching and feeling, noticing, asking questions, and exploring. This It's Science! series book uses familiar objects as a starting point for the discussion of matter. Each double page spread introduces a new topic, gives information, asks questions, and provides activities that encourage children to make discoveries and develop new ideas on their own.

What Is Matter?. By Don L. Curry. Illus. by Caroline Anderson. 2005. 31p. Children's Press, (9780516246673). Gr. 1 - 3.

This baseball-themed book introduces young readers to matter. Colorful photos and simplistic text encourages children to read independently as they learn that matter is everywhere and comes in different forms. This book is the perfect classroom library addition, especially for students who love baseball.


What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases. By Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld. Illus. by Paul Meisel. 1998. 32p. HarperCollins, (9780064451635). Gr. 1 - 3.

From the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out-Science series, this book's lively watercolor illustrations and simple, informal text provide readers with a clear explanation of the three states of matter. Additionally, the book uses water to show how matter can change from one state to another. The book features a "Find Out More" page that provides additional activities to explore solids, liquids, and gases.


Web Sites
The following web sites are a great way for students to build their understanding of the states of matter:

Changing States of Matter Sequence Game
This game requires students to place several cards in order to show how to change a liquid into a solid.

Moby's Match: Solids, Liquids, and Gases
This concentration game requires students to match solids, liquids, and gases. This game provides students with everyday examples such as the sun, lemonade, books, and balloons to explore the different forms of matter.

CATIE Testing Time: Solid, Liquid, & Gas
Students must examine household items (i.e. toothpaste, hairspray, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, etc.) to determine whether they are a solid, liquid, or gas.

e-Learning for Kids: States of Matter
In this interactive game, Mr. Beaker helps students describe matter and its three states, as well as examine how matter can change. SPECIAL NOTE: Students must press the e-Learning for Kids logo to begin the game.


Solids, Liquids, and Gases Sorting Game
This game requires students to sort everyday items, according to the states of matter. Additionally, this game features artwork by second grade students from Henrico County Public Schools. SPECIAL NOTE: Students may think gasses is spelled incorrectly. Use this as a "teachable moment" to explain that there are two plural forms of the word, gas.



For the Teacher
Virginia Standards of Learning

Standard 2.3 The student will investigate and understand basic properties of solids, liquids, and gases. Key concepts include
(a) identification of distinguishing characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases;
(b) measurement of the mass and volume of solids and liquids; and
(c) changes in phases of matter with the addition or removal of energy.

Background Information

• All substances are made of matter.
• Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
• Solids have a defined shape and volume.
• Liquids have a definite volume and take the shape of the container.
• Gases will completely fill any closed container (take the shape of its container) and assume the volume of its container.
• Mass is a measure of the amount of matter.
• Weight is the measure of the gravitational pull on an object.
• Volume is the measure of the amount of space occupied by matter.
• Matter most commonly occurs in three phases: solids, liquids, and gases.
• Matter can change from one phase to another.
• When matter changes from one phase to another, these changes are referred to as physical changes.
• Changes from solid to liquid to gas require the addition of energy.

Second Grade Science Curriculum Framework