Annotated Bib - Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Solids, liquids, and gases are the three stages of matter. Ever wonder why solids melt, liquids freeze, or balloons float? Being able to describe the differences in the states of matter is important for children to understand. Utilizing literature books in Science enhances learning of all ages and levels. Children enjoy the stories and colorful illustrations while learning the essential
knowledge skills, and processes required.

Books
Change It!! by Adrienne Mason. (2006). 32p.Kids Can Press (978-1553378389). Gr. K-3.

Change It! presents colorful illustrations and a variety of matter hands-on activities that encourage active learning. This book incites curiosity, observation, and experimentation. At the end of the book are additional resources for parents and teachers.

It's Science: Solid, Liquid, or Gas? by Sally Hewitt. (1997). 32p. Children's Press (978-0516263939). Gr. K-3.

Presents the states of matter; solids, liquids, and gases incorporating real pictures. It encourages thinking, observing, and experimenting in the "think about it" and "try it out"boxes throughout the book. A glossary of essential vocabulary words help children understand the terminology used to explain matter.


Starting With Science: Solids, Liquids, and Gases.by Ontario Science Center. Ray Boudreau illus. (1995). 32p. Kids Can Press (978-1550744019). Gr. K-3.

Appealing to children! A book of easy to follow experiments that children can explore and experiment. There are additional information and resources at the end of the book. As a precaution, the experiments include safety guidelines to follow if needed. A great book for teachers to incorporate into class or group experiments.

What is the World Made Of? by Kathleen Weidner and Paul Meisel illus. Zoehfeld. (1998).32p. Harper Collins Publishers (978-0064451635). Gr. K-3.

The world is made of: Matter! This book presents the three states of matter in a whimsical and interactive picture book."Everything on Earth is matter." The book guides readers to test different states of matter. From spraying a perfume bottle to boiling a pot of water to holding an ice cube. Children learn through hands-on activities.

What's the Matter in Mr. Whisker's Room? by Michael Elsohn Ross and Paul Meisel illus. (2007). 48p. Candlewick Publishing (978-0763635664). Gr. K-3.

A wonderful book to encourage all learning styles. Readers encounter seven "stations" which encourage learning through observation and exploration. The illustrations depicting the hands-on activities are easy to follow along. A great book for teachers to re-create in their classrooms. The recipes and additional resources can be found at the end of the book.

Web Resources

ABPI Resources for Schools
A great animated tutorial and learning activity for kids to learn the different properties of matter. There are twelve lessons and the last button provides a glossary of essential vocabulary terms.

BBC
Fantastic interactive activity for kids to learn about solids, liquids, and gases. Fill the beaker with a chunk of chocolate and watch the changing properties of a solid changing into a liquid and back to a solid. There are several "tests" that children can manipulate to learn about the different states of matter.

Full Option Science System
What happens when you put a bone in an oven or a boot in the freezer? This fun interactive activity tests different materials to distinguish the various properties of matter.

Super Teacher Worksheets This website provides teachers with matter related worksheets and activities. Included are matter themed songs set to the tunes of the "Wheels on the Bus" and "Bingo." From cut and glue sorting activities to demonstrations to questions to encourage critical thinking, the activities and worksheets provided will enhance any "matter" lesson.

Teaching Ideas
A great resource for teachers to incorporate in their lessons about the different properties of matter. This site provides activity worksheets, experiments, SmartBoard interactive quizzes, and interactive games to enhance children's learning.

For Teachers

Va Standard of Learning 2.3

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. (e.g., Helium gas put into a balloon takes the shape of the balloon because the balloon defines its shape.
• 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