Mixtures and Solutions by Jenny Karpelenia, published by Perfection Learning, ISBN: 0-7569-4642-5

Solutions and Mixtures details what a mixture is and ways to easily identify mixtures in everyday life. Many vocabulary words are concerned with a mixture, like heterogeneous and homogenous. Homogeneous and heterogeneous are explained using great real life examples; some from everyday foods that we eat and drink, and some from situations we may never even think of , like the air that we breathe. Solutions are discussed involving dissolving, solute, and solvent. I learned that water is the "universal solvent". Heat changes to solutions are covered in detail, including what would happen from boiling a solution to the reverse of freezing it. The book has great pictures to go along with the detailed writing. A detailed summary of different types of mixtures, including their names: suspensions, colloids, emulsions and alloys and specific examples, like a mud puddle for suspension are provided. Not only is information about the vocabulary provided, but also information on scientists. One scientist mentioned is John Tyndall, who is very important to firefighters. Investigations and experiments [that looked very interesting] that you can do in this book are included. Science is ever changing, so the book gives great examples

of how science and technology are linked together today. An example tells about doctors that draw people's blood. Technicians separate the blood from the cells and the plasma using magnetism. At the end are a few pages to gain more knowledge about the subject, including internet resource sites and a large glossary with definitions and correct pronunciations. Grace Allen, ESU Elementary Education Student

Physical and Chemical Properties and Changes by Jenny Karpelenia published by Perfection Learning ISBN: 0-7569-6658-2

The differences between physical and chemical changes are explored. In chapter 2 are examples such as extrinsic properties of mass, volume, weight, and dimension, while intrinsic ones are texture, density, viscosity, conductivity, and freezing and melting point. Chapter 3 deal with understanding the difference between physical and chemical changes… even when your eyes may tell you that you saw a chemical change and you did not, such as phases of changing state, mixtures, or solutions. The real key is if you can regain the original material. The last two chapters are about chemical changes. In chapter 4, a discussion of what a chemical property entails and what kind of signs of chemical reaction are, such as color change, bubbles, smell, light given off, change in temp, or precipitation forming. The last chapter shows some of the more common chemical changes, such as burning, tarnishing, fermenting, decomposing, and digesting.

I really like this book because of the

facts I did not know many of the facts given

myself. It did help that I book I was reading

was actually on what we were talking about

in class. When I read it, I was able to

understand the homework given to me

better. The actual book is not hard to read.

It is broken into chapters so that if I was

teaching this, I could read one or two chapters a day and explore it before going on to the rest of the book. I also like

the examples given in the book because they are easy for children to understand. For example, I could actually go

outside and read the part about the extensive properties and then let my students look at the rocks to see what the

author was discussing. Becky Book, ESU Elementary Education Student

Grouping Materials by Carol Ballard published by Heinemann Library, ISBN: 1403435499

Grouping Materials teaches children about characteristics of different everyday materials. These characteristics are used to identify and group materials . The characteristics were easy to understand and recognize in everyday life. Each group of materials had a different experiment that can be done at home. The book ends with a series of important facts and tales of important people in science. The book also contains a glossary for any unknown or unfamiliar words.

The book was short, but contained a lot of interesting and valuable information. It is easy to follow and understand. The groupings of materials are very logical. The graphics combined well with the information, adding to the content. A good example of the quality of the graphics can be found on page 5 which deals with metal. For the most part, it is easily readable and recognizable for the student who is reading. There are a few harder words in the book, but there is also a glossary in the back for those words. My favorite part of the book is the experiments that the children can do at home dealing with the materials on the given page. My favorite example of this is how to make your own material dye from berries. This gives children

a perfect example of how to use materials in everyday situations. Matt Brizendine, ESU Elementary Education Student

Acids and Bases by Rebecca L Johnson published by National Geographic Society ISBN: 978-0-7922-4582-7

Acids and Bases discusses how these substances are used in our daily lives based on the type and strength of the acid or base. We learn about the caves in New Mexico that produce sulfuric acid on the roofs, causing stalagmites and the coal mines that cause acid rain in parts of our world. The book provides information on the acid/base nature of the foods we eat and the liquids we drink . We discover that plants and animals protect themselves with acids or bases. The book discusses ions and the pH scale, including how it works and the man who invented it, a Danish biochemist, SPL Sorenson. We learn how to make acids and bases improve our lives.

I really found much information about what acids and bases are and how they work. I was surprised to learn that everything from the foods we eat to the toothpaste we use in our daily routines all have some form of acid or base. I was also surprised to learn the facts about the plants and animals in nature that use acids and bases for protection from humans and other animals. This book was very interesting and easy to understand. The writing and the pictures were very self-explanatory so that I could clearly understand what was taking place and what they were doing. Paula Burwell ESU Elementary

Education Student

What's the Matter in Mr. Whiskers Room by Michael Elsohn Ross, published by Candlewick Press. ISBN:

978-0-7636-3566-4.

In What's the Matter in Mr. Whiskers Room, the class experiments with different objects, learning about matter in the process. The students learn they can find out about matter by using their senses, such as smell and touch, but are encouraged not to taste the objects. They also learn matter can come in different forms, such as liquid, solid, or gas. As the day progresses, Mr. Whiskers teaches the students that matter can change from one form to another as well as that the denser an object is the heavier it will be. Finally, Mr. Whiskers teaches the students that objects float in water if they are less dense than the water, and that some matter dissolves in other matter. By the end of the book students are left with a good understanding of matter. I think this book would be an excellent story for the classroom. It teaches students the main factors of matter in a fun way. The book gives information, on the corners of certain pages, to highlight main points that students should remember. The vocabulary is not too difficult. Because of the length of the story, I would not suggest it for younger children, like first graders. The colorful pictures show a wide range of diversity which is good for students to see. The pictures show the students doing activities involved with matter, which I think could encourage other students reading the book to do the same. At the back of the book is information on the

projects that Mr. Whiskers had his class do, including the information for ordering the supplies. Overall, I think the book is great. I would enjoy having this book in my classroom and suggest that any present or upcoming teachers consider it.

Aaron Dykes ESU Elementary Education Student

The Properties of Elements and Compounds by Lisa Hill published by Heinemann Raintree ISBN: 978-1-4109-3260-0

This book discusses matter and all the different things that have to go with matter. For example, it explains how an atom is made out of particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons, very important items when considering matter. After explaining the main parts of matter, the situation of combining atoms is explored. Next, is a quiz to see if you were paying attention to what you read and if you understood it. Then, the inability of splitting atoms of elements is covered. Atomic numbers are also considered at this time. Then the different states of matter, gases, liquids, and solids, are individually discussed, including how each one is very important! An experiment is included for kids to try to help them better understand the concept. Getting to know a concept by using hands on activities is very important for kids. The next concept is the periodic table which helps tie all of these things together. The element groups in the periodic table are covered. The book shows a periodic table, including an example so that children can see the symbol, atomic mass, and atomic number. After the periodic table the creation of compounds using elements from the

periodic table is introduced. The book divided the bonds formed into covalent bonds and ionic bonds, introducing how they are different. Compounds of acids and bases are explained very well. At the end of the book is a good glossary so a child can go back and look at what they have learned!

I think this is a very good book! It starts off by giving very easy concepts of matter, but then goes on to more difficult aspects. One of my favorite parts of this book is a quiz after every single chapter, so that readers can check if they have mastered the knowledge before going on. I also like that this book gives different experiments that kids can do that have to do using what they have just learned. I think these experiments help kids learn because they are doing a hands on activity about what they have just learned. I think this is very important when it comes to kids because most do not do a very good job at just sitting there and learning. I think this book does a good job discussing each topic but not overwhelming a child. I also like the very good glossary at the end of the book so kids can look back at key words they may not grasp initially. I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to teach a child about matter and the periodic table! Paige Fort, ESU Elementary Education Student

Chemical Reactions by Jenny Karpelenia published by Perfection Learning.

ISBN: 0-7569-4643-3

The book discussed physical and chemical

changes. A physical change is when the shape of a

substance changes. A chemical change alters the

makeup of the substance. The chemical bonds are

broken and then reformed. Color changes,

combustion, and gas bubbles are sometimes signs

of a chemical change. Bubbles can also form when

water boils; which is not a chemical change.

Chemical reactions can be written as equations. On

the left side of the arrow are the reactants and on

the right side are the products of the reaction. The

matter on each side of the arrow is equal.

Exothermic reactions release more heat than they

require. Combustion is an exothermic reaction.

Endothermic reactions acquire more heat than they

let off. Photosynthesis is endothermic. Some

chemical reactions happen fast and others happen

slower. Exploding fireworks and the inflating of an

airbag are two chemical reactions that occur

quickly. Tarnishing and rusting are two chemical

reactions that take a long time. Reactants have

different levels of reactivity. Elements bond with

other elements. Fluorine and chlorine only need one

more electron in their outer shell and are therefore

highly reactive. The noble gases are stable because they have a full outer shell. Hotter temperature

speeds up a reaction and cooler temperatures slow it down. Catalysts help reactions to occur and

speed them up. Inhibitors can either slow down or stop a reaction.

I think that the book was very informative. I liked how chemical reactions that occur in everyday

life are shown. The different concepts were explained thoroughly, yet in general terms with examples

and pictures. The pictures were very helpful in showing exactly what was explained, clearing up

possible questions of beginners about the material. The content was in a good sequence so that one

thing introduced and led directly to the next thing that was addressed. I thought it was interesting how

the book told about the way our body uses chemical reactions to break down foods and in respiration.

additional website resources are given to visit for more information regarding chemical reactions.

Overall I think that the book did a great job displaying and sharing the information. The photos,

models, and illustrations made it all come together in an easy to understand way. I would recommend

this book. Callie German, ESU Elementary Education Student

States of Matter by Lynnette Brent published by Crabtree Publishing Company ISBN: 978-0-7787-4251-7

States of Matter begins with a very simple, very relatable definition of matter in its various forms. Discussion then proceeds to the difference between mass, volume, and weight. Devoting two pages to each phase, it discusses the properties of solids, liquids, gases, and a short paragraph on plasma. The book gives a description of how to transfer between phases, including describing melting point, freezing point, boiling point, condensation, and evaporation. The book has an aside on sublimation that kids would enjoy. The book even describes the makeup of air, properties of viscosity, and hardness.

I enjoyed this book, thinking it was very appropriate for a fourth or fifth grader. It was easy enough to understand but still challenging and intriguing. It would give a younger audience a yearning to learn more. The vocabulary was appropriate and definitions simple and accurate. The pictures would spark interest in the reader and make them yearn to read the captions. They are colorful and attention getting. The content gave in-depth definitions of the phases of matter, adding interesting information following the basic points on matter. The book includes explanation of viscosity, and even a page devoted to the fifth state of matter that is advanced enough to stretch the imagination and peak the

curiosity of a young mind. Lacy Jordan ESU Elementary Education Student

The Reactions of Metals, by Roberta Baxter, published by Raintree ISBN: 9781410932464,

In this book the author discusses the many type of metals there are in the world. She also gives you information on how strong metals are and how easily they can be dissolved. Gold just happens to be one of the hardest metals to dissolve. She then explains what types of acids dissolve metals. Metals are discussed for usage in and out of the body, like for pipes, batteries, water softeners, etc.. Digging for metals is an occupation that can be harmful to the environment. At the end of the book, the importance of recycling poisonous metals is developed. Some interesting facts about other reactions of metals are given.

I thought this was a really good book, especially if you were doing a paper or a science project about reactions with metal. Even though the book does not discuss all metals in great detail, a lot of good information is provided. The book provides charts to show what metals react easily and which ones react less. I like the pictures she shows, especially the ones with the different metals dipped

in acid. I like how it gives real world examples about metals and how they are used in our everyday life. Like batteries contain metal and it depends on chemical reactions to produce electricity. Metals are used to make anything from musical instruments to eyewear. We use metals for a variety of things. I like the example on how to clean a penny; how the same method can be used to clean the Statue of Liberty. A really good end for the book is how metals affect our body and the importance of disposing poisonous metals properly. This book is very up to date with really great pictures that show exactly what they are intended for. The words in this book are a bit hard, but I was glad to see a vocabulary sections for all of those words. Stephen K. Jowers, ESU Elementary Education Student

Chemicals in Action: Atoms by Chris Oxlade published by Heinemann Library ISBN: 978-1-4329-0058-8

This book begins with a brief explanation of atoms and their role in science. The author explains that atoms and chemistry are a part of everyday life. First, the book defines what an atom is and how all matter is made of atoms. The author gives an excellent description of just how small atoms really are by describing just how many carbon atoms are in a period created by a graphite pencil. Next, the book turns to theories about matter, identifying philosophers and scientists such as Democritus, Robert Boyle and John Dalton, all who played a significant role in the understanding of what our world is made of. The author describes elements, beginning with metals and nonmetals. Next, the book describes what is inside an atom; nucleus, electrons, protons and neutrons, and their role in an atom. This section also teaches how to figure atomic number and mass. An interesting fact the author points out is scientists have never actually seen an atom. Pictures that we see of atoms are only models. The scientists who developed the modern model were Ernest Rutherford and Niels Bohr. The author goes into a brief description of these two physicists. The next topic is about the periodic table. This section defines groups and periods of the periodic table. Following the periodic table is a section about molecules, first describing symbols and formulas of molecules such as H2O for water. The author proceeds to explain simple molecules and giant molecules.

The author Discusses the property of particles being solid, liquid or gas and their melting points and boiling points. The book continues to go into the particle theory of expansion and contraction, explaining why substances expand when they are heated up or condense when they are cooled. The author explains that when substances are heated the particles in that substance begin to vibrate against each other, the hotter the substance gets the faster the particles vibrate. The book then explains when you add salt to water the salt dissolves which results in a solution, or when a solid dissolves in a liquid. The next section of the book covers the splitting of atoms. In this section, you learn, briefly, about radiation. It explains that radiation cannot only be made of particles but also light rays. In the next section, a discussion of nuclear energy, power, waste and fusion ensues. At the closing of the book, the author inserts the periodic table, a list of common elements and compounds, a list of atoms with the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in those atoms, and a glossary of technical terms. I feel that this book is very helpful for all ages. I enjoyed it because it refreshed my memory, describing some terms more clearly for me. The book flows nicely, combining everything together. Many pictures and diagrams help further the author’s explanation of subjects discussed. One helpful thing is the experiments listed in this book. The author makes it easy to perform these fun experiments with everyday household items Another reason I like this book is the vocabulary is not overwhelming. The author makes the important vocabulary in bold. If you want a more in depth definition, you can turn to the back to the glossary. This book is full of ideas to describe atoms in an interesting way. I will return to this book when teaching about this subject. Amanda Lewis, ESU Elementary Education student

Chemicals in Action: Material Changes and Reactions by Chris Oxlade published by Heinemann Library ISBN: 978-1-4329-0060-1

Chemicals in Action: Material Changes and

Reaction covers a wide range of chemistry topics. The book starts with general information about chemicals and how they change. Then, more detail about the differences between chemical and physical changes follow. Next, changing from one state of matter to another is explained. A discussion of chemical reactions and how they can be represented with word equations or symbol equations is given. Many examples of written chemical equations are provided throughout the book. Next, several different types of reactions are shown, including how they are used in the real world. Other topics discussed are solutions, the rock cycle and changes, and the periodic table of elements. The book includes six experiments that correlate with the reading that can easily be done with household items. The back of the book holds resources such as a summary of physical and chemical changes, a glossary of technical terms, a list of useful websites, and an index.

I think this book is full of information. The content is detailed with some challenging vocabulary, so I would suggest this for upper elementary and junior high students. It covers many different topics thus would be a great classroom resource, especially the pages in the back. Oxlade does a great job of providing

examples that students can relate to and pictures that are relevant and interesting. The experiments are simple and inexpensive; I think that students would really benefit from them. Amy Niehues, ESU Elementary Education Student