Everything you can touch and hold is made up of matter—including you, your dog, and this book! Matter is stuff that you can weigh and that takes up space, which means pretty much everything in the world is made of matter.
In Matter, kids ages 6 to 9 explore the definition of matter and perform weighing and measuring tests to determine whether different objects are made of matter or not. This introduction to physical science for elementary aged children also explores the different states of matter and the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light.
Children are introduced to the study of physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a nonfiction narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world connections. By recognizing this basic physics concept and identifying the different ways it is demonstrated in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories.
Part of a set of four books in a series called Curious Concepts for Kids that tackles different kinds of physical science (waves, forces, energy, and matter), Matter offers beautiful pictures and simple observations and explanations. Quick experiments such as weighing two balloons to test if air is matter help readers cross the bridge from conceptual to experiential learning and provide a foundation of knowledge that will prove invaluable as kids progress in their science education.
Perfect for children who love to ask, “Why?” about the world around them, Matter satisfies curiosity while encouraging continual student-led learning.
Andi Diehn graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College, relied on a freelance writing career when her children were young and childcare was expensive, and now works as a children’s book editor and marketer at Nomad Press. She has written eleven nonfiction books for the educational market, and her fictional picture book on mental illness, MAMA’S DAYS, is forthcoming this year from Reycraft Books. She has six more nonfiction picture books scheduled to release over the next two years.
Andi also works as a bookseller at her local indie in rural New Hampshire, where she lives with her husband, three sons, and lots of pets.
To introduce the idea of matter we can use this book to see how we see and use matter each and every day. Learning the basics at a young age and how they see it differently. This book comes with activities that can be used in the classroom to learn more about it.It is written in a way that is like a journal and how the author sees matter. It includes examples and questions that you might not have thought of.
Absolutely perfect for a kid's introduction to the science of matter. Looking forward to purchasing for my teachers of MS English Learners - this will really help!
Matter: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehn acquaints young readers, ages 5-8, with the concept of matter.
The book opens by identifying some of the familiar ways in which the word “matter” is used in everyday life: “What’s the matter” “It doesn’t matter.” and so on. But matter is much more than those phrases would suggest.
Charming illustrations and reader-friendly text explore the science of matter by introducing the definition: “Matter is anything that takes up space and can be weighed.” Continuing on, readers will discover that matter makes up everything from our clothes, to our pets, to the air we breathe. Matter exists in various forms such as solid, liquid, and gas and can have many shapes, colors, and sizes.
Finally, the book examines some of the things that are not matter – light and heat. Examples are pulled from everyday experiences and are both entertaining and thought provoking. A pair of Hands-0n experiments and a basic glossary reinforce the content.
A fun introduction to basic science concepts. Recommended for STEM.
Young children have so many questions about the world and how everything works. Curiousity runs wild in their brains, but more than anything they just want to learn and absorb. This series is a must get for parents, classrooms, and libraries because it addresses many of the questions that kids have.
Each book begins with a poem that introduces the topic then is followed by lyrical text going through scientific information about the topic of the book. Mixed in with the text are “TRY THIS” sidebars with fun experiments for kids to take the text into the real world.
Summary: This book is a nonfiction book that teaches kids about the states of matter. It discusses all three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. It also teaches kids how to determine what matter is and what it isn't.
Evaluation:
This book is a great resource for students who are interested in science and matter. It is a fun book that has engaging pictures and easy to read text.
Teaching Idea:
I would use this book to introduce the states of matter to a second grade class. I would follow up the reading of the book with an experiment on the states of matter and putting their new knowledge to good use.
Introducing physics to children ages 5 to 8. Beautifully done!
Everything you can touch and hold is made up of matter—including you, your dog, and this book! Matter is stuff that you can weigh and that takes up space. In short, pretty much everything in the world is made of matter.
* This book helps kids to explore the definition of matter. * What are the different states of matter? * How about things that aren't physical matter . . . but they still matter! Such as sound and light. * This book contains many relatable examples of real-world science connections.
"Matter: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehn. This book was so creative. The book sheds light on what matter is and how it surrounds us. It talks about how air is matter and how fire and light are not made of matter. The book also shows how matter can mean different things like "What is the matter" or "It does not matter." This book was cute, and the illustrations were diverse and calming. I enjoyed this book; it is excellent for all elementary-aged students.
This is fun and clever says a Mom...and your kid will like it too!
I really like this book. I have it digitally so I can always have it with me. The Art by Artist Shululu, is gorgeous. Appears to be watercolor, I think. It is written in a way that makes a person think. Author Andi Diehn gives good examples, and asks us good questions....though sometimes I wanted her to just tell me the answer....but then she went through a checklist to rule out if something was or wasn’t matter. I found myself acquiescing, and ruling things out like I was asked to do. Then I heard myself actually say out loud, “Well, no....it doesn’t have any of the required properties of Matter, so.....I guess light doesn’t have Matter...”. Turn the page, and the answer and my hypothesis is confirmed..... Light doesn’t contain Matter! .....Gee thanks Ms. Diehn....after I figured it out myself! You tricked me into learning and I LOVED it. There are activities for students,teachers, and homeschoolers included, and a great Matter vocab list at the end. I highly recommend this book!
Personal note: I am using it and a few others to write a song about Matter. What is funny is I had a similar idea about “It Doesn’t Matter.” A play on words that fit beautifully into this book. Let’s see how it works for a silly song. I also love tricking kids into learning! 😆✌🏼🎶🎨📚