Fiction and non-fiction titles compiled by our developers
Annotated lists of child-friendly and teacher-friendly websites to deepen content knowledge or conduct further research.
Documents for Science Companion users to print for their classrooms.
Suggestions for organizing and managing materials.
The following is a list of recommended books that provide a wide range of reading and research resources for this unit. Collect as many as you can for your classroom science library, or ask your school librarian for assistance.
By Jean Van Leeuwen; illustrated by Marco Ventura. (2003, Phyllis Fogelman Books)
With beautiful oil paintings to illustrate, this tale is told through the eyes of 13-year-old Edward Warren, who in 1784 became the first person in America to go up in a hot-air balloon. This book is suitable for supplementing the lesson about gases.
By Franklyn M. Branley; illustrated by James Graham Hale. (1997, HarperTrophy)
This easy-to-read text provides a concise look at the water cycle. It explains evaporation, condensation, and precipitation by describing how the sun dries puddles, clouds form, and rain and hail occur.
By Walter Wick; illustrated with photographs by the author. (1997, Scholastic)
According to the author’s afterword, "Even the simplest experiments appeared as if improbable or impossible things were happening. Intrigued, I recreated some of the experiments and photographed them with my camera. The results seemed magical, but not because of any photographic trick; it was only the forces of nature at work." For the Matter unit, the most relevant sections focus on ice, water vapor, condensation and evaporation, clouds, and dew. Selected by National Science Teachers Association as an Outstanding Trade Book for Children in 1998.
By Ben Morgan. (2003, Blackbirch Marketing)
Written for elementary-age students, these three reference books offer clear color photos and straightforward text. For solids, liquids, and gases, respectively, each book provides a definition and description, different examples, and an explanation of how it changes between states. At the end of each book, there is a very brief introduction to atoms and molecules.
By Bo Zaunders; illustrated by Roxie Munro. (2001, Dutton Children’s Books)
This picture book may be too easy to read for this grade level, but the stories of the brave, and often lucky, early fliers may inspire children to learn more about aviation. One chapter covers the inventors of the hot-air balloon. A bibliography is included for children who want to further explore the aviators’ stories.
By James Klein; illustrated by Michael Rohani. (2003, Tricycle Press)
A mother lode of information, this book explains how to find and pan for gold. It also provides historical background, including sections on ancient gold mining; the California gold rush; women in the camps; Native American, Mexican, Hawaiian, Chilean, African-American, and Jewish miners. Use this book as an extension to the lesson about separating solid mixtures.
(1998, World Book Inc.)
This book focuses mainly on the work scientists undertake to understand air’s role in the weather. Topics covered include the properties of air under pressure and when it is heated or cools. Simple instructions to help children build and use a barometer are included.
By Christopher Cooper. (1992, Dorling Kindersley)
With the numerous, detailed photographs that characterize the Eyewitness Science series, this book examines the elements that make up the physical world and the properties and behavior of different kinds of matter. While the first 12 two-page chapters are appropriate for elementary students, the remaining 17 chapters discuss the atoms, molecules, and subatomic particles.
By Harriet Ziefert; illustrated by Richard Brown. (1988, Little, Brown and Company)
This book is one in a series about fictional Mr. Rose’s class, which grew out of the author’s experiences as an elementary school teacher. In Mystery Day Mr. Rose’s students have to guess the identity of the five mystery powders that Mr. Rose has brought in, and then test their guesses with simple experiments. This book is out of print, but if you can find a copy it may stimulate some students to try solving mixture mysteries at home.
By Gertrude Chandler Warner; illustrated by Charles Tang. (1995, Albert Whitman & Co.)
One of the Boxcar Children Mysteries, this book contains accurate information about the sport of hot air ballooning. The story involves the Alden children befriending a young couple who are starting their own hot air balloon business, but someone wants to stop them. Use this book as a literary extension for the lesson about gases.
By Tomie de Paola. (1977, Holiday House)
In the storyline of this book, Jungle Girl is sinking in quicksand while Jungle Boy lectures her on the subject. The text is clear, packed with information, and humorous. The final page includes directions for “How to Make Your Own Quicksand.” This book is worth searching for in libraries or used bookstores, and reading out loud after students investigate “Whatzit?!”
By Karen Fitzgerald. (1996, Franklin Watts)
The discovery of oxygen and its role as the life-giving gas are the subjects of this book. In addition to discussing historical developments, the author presents young readers with facts and information about oxygen and explores basic concepts in chemistry. Colorful illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts support and enhance the text. Now out of print but may be available through online sources. This was a 1997 National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Trade Book for Children.
By Wendie C. Old: illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. (2002, Clarion Books)
This middle grade biography is a National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Trade Book for Students K-12. Its clearly written passages provide insights into the inquiry methods and unique characters of the brothers, including their problem solving skills. Vivid watercolor illustrations capture the excitement of discovery revealed by the text.
By Kathleen Wiedner Zoehfeld; illustrated by Paul Meisel. (1998, HarperTrophy)
This beginning reader introduces children to the differences between solids, liquids, and gases with examples from everyday life.
By Salvatore Tucci. (2002, Children’s Press)
Explores the properties of air and air pressure through ten simple experiments. Includes a short bibliography.
By Salvatore Tucci. (2001, Children’s Press)
Describes the properties of matter and provides simple experiments that illustrate the properties of each. The focus is primarily on liquids. Includes a short bibliography.
By Peter Mellett; illustrated by David Le Jars. (2001, Kingfisher Publications)
Over forty experiments enable children to further demonstrate and deepen their knowledge of matter and its properties. “What’s Happening” sections and descriptions of how topics apply beyond the experiments help explain the science and connect it to the children’s world. Includes a helpful glossary and index.
By Neil Ardley. (1992, Gulliver Books)
A visually stimulating book that explores and explains different properties of temperature through simple experiments. This is an excellent resource that uses the information taught in this unit to expand children’s understanding of how heat and cold can be manipulated to affect matter in its various states.
Helen Edom and Moira Butterfield; illustrated by Kate Davies. (1991, Usborne Publishing Ltd.)
The experiments and demonstrations in this book are designed to help young scientists explore the properties of air. Simple text and clear illustrations make the activities easy for children to carry out and understand, and notes provide scientific explanations for adults to help children.
Laurence B. White, Jr. and Ray Broekel; illustrations by Meyer Seltzer. (1991, Albert Whitman and Company)
Through a playful approaching using magic to hook children’s interest, the authors present a series of science-based tricks for children to perform. Each trick is followed by a clear and solid explanation of the science involved. Most tricks deal with matter by using the particle theory, but there is also “magic” dealing with gravity and magnetism. Lots of humor is mixed into the serious science.
By the Ontario Science Centre; photographs by Ray Boudreau. (1998, Kids Can Press)
Thirteen demonstrations help students explore the properties of the three common states of matter. A “What’s Happening” section explains the science underlying each investigation. A section for parents and teachers extends the activities described in the book.
Below are some general tips and suggestions to assist with the management of materials for the Matter Unit:
Our writers recommended these independent websites for our field-test teachers.
How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement
http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/
An excellent reference for both teachers and students, this web site provides a dictionary of units of measurements. The section titled "The Metric System" is most relevant to Science Companion units.
What is Matter?
http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/statesofmatter.html
Very simple text and descriptions of the three states of matter. Geared towards fourth grade.
States of Matter
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_states.html
This site takes children on a tour of matter, starting with the phases of matter, working through solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. It continues with a discussion of mixtures and solutions. This site is geared towards older students, but might give advanced or curious fourth grade children valuable early exposure to the subject.
Professor Neutron: Matter
http://www.step.k12.ca.us/profneutron/matter.html
Provides basic science concepts about matter with "Professor Neutron." Geared towards middle school students, but visually appealing to younger children and basic enough for them to enjoy. Ties in the kinetic model of matter as well as plasma.
It all adds up
http://utahscience.oremjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/sciber03/Elem/5_sciber/MATTER/htm/INTRO.htm This is the online textbook for the Utah State Office of Education’s 5 th grade "Sci-ber text" curriculum. Children work through the links covering the three phases of matter, as well as chemical and physical changes. There are also opportunities for children to do some explorations on their own.
Dynamics of Flight
http://www.ueet.nasa.gov/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html
A kid-friendly resource that includes information about the dynamics of flight and the history of flight. Among other topics, it addresses what air is, how wings lift a plane, and early efforts of flight (including Leonardo da Vinci’s "ornithopter" and the first hot air balloon). Students will enjoy the airplane cockpit simulator.
Cloud Seeding
http://www.pitara.com/discover/5wh/42.htm
This link leads to a two-page article written for kids called "What is Cloud Seeding?"
Gold Panning and Sluicing
http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist2/gold2.html
Sutter’s account of the first discovery of gold in California.
States of Matter
http://can-do.com/uci/ssi2001/california-goldrush.html
Enables students to independently research the California Gold Rush.
Materials Recovery Facilities
http://www.grn.com/a/0140.html
This web site includes a directory listing of hundreds of MRFs that belong to the Global Recycling Network, with their contact information. E-mail a facility in your area to find out about educational programs and tours.
Salt and Evaporation in the Seas
http://www.palomar.edu/oceanography/salty_ocean.htm
This web site provides a US Geological Survey publication entitled "Why is the Ocean Salty?" It includes sections that address "How salty is the ocean?" and "The saltiest water."
Quicksand
http://science.howstuffworks.com/quicksand.htm
An engaging description of "how quicksand works," including an animation of a man sinking in quicksand (plus directions for how to escape) and an illustration of how quicksand forms.
ExploraGear kits contain equipment and consumables for student explorations. Scroll down to view the entire ExploraGear list.
Each module also lists easy-to-find Classroom Supplies used in the lessons. Scroll down or click the link on the right to see the Classroom Supplies list for this module.
| QUANTITY | ITEM | LESSON |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Balloons, 12", helium quality | 2, 5 |
| 25 | Calibrated cups, 230 cc | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, SBA 3 |
| 8 | Funnels, 65 mm powder | 2, 3, 5, 8, 11 |
| 8 | Magnifying lenses | 2, 13, SBA 2 |
| 1 package | Straws, flexible | 2, 5 |
| 16 | Syringes, 5 ml | 2, 5 |
| 8 | Beakers, 100 ml | 3, 4, 7, SBA 3 |
| 8 | Graduated cylinders, 100 ml | 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, SBA 3 |
| 3 packages | Modeling clay | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| 4 | Scales, platform diet | 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 15, SBA 3 |
| 1 | Vinyl tube | 5 |
| 8 | Craft foam balls, 5 cm (2 in) | 6 |
| 1 | Cup warmer, electric | 7, 9, 10, 13 |
| 4 | Aluminum foil tart pans | 7, 9, 13 |
| 8 | Glycerin "melt and pour" soap cubes | 7 |
| 8 | Paraffin wax cubes | 7 |
| 6 | Plastic dessert cups with dome lids | 9 |
| 50 | Glass marbles | 9 |
| 1 package | Steel nuggets | 12 |
| 8 | Magnets | 12 |
| 1 package | Sand | 13 |
| 1 | Storage Chest w/ Lid, 11X18X15” |
| QUANTITY | ITEM | LESSON |
|---|---|---|
| 13 large sheets | Chart paper | 1, 2, 8, 11, 14, SBA 2 |
| 1 pad per group | Self-sticking notes | 1, SBA 5 |
| 2 boxes | Baking soda | 2, 15 |
| 1 | Beverage stirrer or chopstick (optional) | 2 |
| 6 per group | Bowls, plastic or foam, 240 ml (8 oz) | 2, 12, 14 |
| About 500 ml (2 C) | Dish soap | 2 |
| About 500 ml (2 C) | Flour | 2 |
| 1 per group | Marker, permanent | 2, 6 |
| 1 roll | Masking tape | 2 |
| 1 sheet per desk | Newspaper or plastic (optional) | 2 |
| About 500 ml (2 C) | Rice | 2 |
| Class set | Safety goggles | 2, 15 |
| 1 pair per group | Scissors | 2 |
| 24 | Spoons | 2, 13 |
| About 1liter (2 pt) | Vinegar, white, distilled | 2, 15 |
| Various amounts | Water | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, SBA 3 |
| 3 | Soda bottle, glass or plastic | 2, 5 |
| 1 set of about 50 g per group | Connectable or stackable solids (blocks, cubes, or coins) | 3 |
| 1 per group | Drop cloth or newspaper (optional) | 3 |
| 2 per group | Knives, plastic | 3, SBA 4 |
| 3 | Laundry items such as socks or washcloths | 3 |
| 1 per group | Paper plates | 3 |
| 1 per group | School milk cartons, empty and clean (optional) | 3, 4 |
| 1 set | Base-10 blocks: 1-units, 10-rods, 100-flats, and 1000-cube | 4 |
| 1 package | Popcorn, unpopped kernels | 4, 12 |
| 1 roll | Paper towels | 4, 5, 6, 9, 15 |
| 1 | Ruler, metric (optional) | 4 |
| 1 per group | Cups, plastic or paper, any size | 5, 8, 14 |
| 3 | Floating objects, small, such as cork, foam packing peanuts, or crumpled aluminum foil | 5 |
| 6 sheets | Paper, 8Vi“x 11” | 5, SBA 3 |
| 2 | Pitchers or liter bottles | 5, 9, SBA 3 |
| 4 | Plastic bags | 5 |
| 1 or more | Squeeze bottles (optional) | 5 |
| 2 | Tubs or large bowls | 5 |
| 1 package | Aluminum foil | 6 |
| 1 per group | Foam objects, large, such as blocks of packing foam from appliances | 6 |
| 100 ml, or 100 ml per group | Honey, corn syrup, or molasses | 6 |
| 1 package | Lightweight clay (e.g., Binney & Smith Crayola Model Magic) (optional) | 6 |
| 100 ml, or 100 ml per group | Oil, cooking | 6 |
| 1 per group | Steel objects, medium, such as socket wrenches or crescent wrenches | 6 |
| 1 per group | Steel objects, small, such as sockets from a socket, wrench, marbles, bolts, or nuts | 6 |
| 1 per group | Wooden objects, medium, such as short pieces of two-by-four boards, stout sticks, or other solid wooden objects | 6 |
| 1 per group | Cup warmers or other low-temperature heat sources (optional) | 7 |
| Various amounts | Ice | 7, 9, 10 |
| 1 | Overhead projector | 7, 14, 15, SBA 6 |
| 30 ml (2 tbsp) per student or pair | Olive oil | 7 |
| 2 per student or pair | Plastic bags, resealable, snack size | 7 |
| 1 | Portable ice chest with ice packs | 7, 9, 10 |
| 2 per group | Tart pans (optional) | 7 |
| Quarter sheet per student | Construction paper, various colors | 8 |
| several | Containers, various shapes and sizes | 8, 10 |
| 1 bottle | Food coloring | 9, 14 |
| 3, or 3 per group | Glass or metal containers, 100-250 ml (3.5-8 oz) | 9, 14 |
| 1 | Humidifier, cool mist (optional) | 9 |
| 1 for 9; 1 per group, plus extras for 15 | Plastic bags, resealable, sandwich size | 9, 15 |
| 2 per group | Tissues | 9 |
| 1 | Fan (optional) | 10 |
| 1 | Heating pad (optional) | 10 |
| 1 or more | Thermometers (optional) | 10, 11 |
| 1 per group | Display boards (optional) | 11 |
| 1 | Bag of recyclable items including crumpled paper, steel and aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles | 12 |
| 120 ml (V2 C) per group | Popcorn, popped | 12 |
| 1 sheet | Black paper | 13 |
| 1 package | Salt | 13 |
| 1 per group | Stirring sticks (optional) | 13 |
| 1 | Teaspoon | 13 |
| 4 boxes, 500 g (16 oz) each | Corn starch | 14 |
| 1 | Mixing bowl, large | 14 |
| 2 | Pens, 2 colors, water based | 14 |
| 1 | Plastic garbage bag | 14 |
| 1 | Sealed container | 14 |
| 1 or 2 rolls | Wax paper (optional) | 14 |
| 1 | Apple, pear, or banana | 15 |
| 250 ml (1 C) | Black tea | 15 |
| 1 | Can opener | 15 |
| 1 pair per student | Gloves, vinyl | 15, SBA 4 |
| 1 | Knife for teacher | 15 |
| 1 | Measuring cup, 500 ml (2 C) or larger | 15 |
| 250 ml (1 C) | Pineapple juice, canned | 15 |
| 1 per group | Apples (same kind, similar in appearance) | SBA 2 |
| Class set | Colored pencils (optional) | SBA 2 |
| 1 sheet per group | Paper | SBA 2 |
| 1 sheet per student | Paper, white (optional) | SBA 2 |
| 1 or more per group | Pencils | SBA 2 |
| 1 per group | Trays | SBA 2 |
| 1 | Bathroom scale | SBA 3 |
| 2 | Objects for weighing that weigh close to but under 500 g (e.g., shoes) | SBA 3 |
| 4 | Objects for weighing that weigh less than 500 g | SBA 3 |
| 1 loaf | Bread, sliced, in packaging | SBA 4 |
| 1 jar | Jelly | SBA 4 |
| A few | Napkins or wipes | SBA 4 |
| Several | Balls, various shapes and sizes | SBA 5 |
| 1 roll | Masking tape | SBA 5 |
| 1 per group | Meter sticks | SBA 5 |
| 5 pieces | Tape, stickers, or bits of clay (optional) | SBA 6 |
| 1 | World globe (optional) | SBA 6 |