Changing Shape: (Changing Materials)

Which materials stretch? Is it easier to change soft or hard materials? What happens when we try to bend brittle objects? Read 'Changing Shape' to learn about the different ways we can change a material by stretching, squeezing, bending, and twisting it. Find out why it is easier to change the shape of some materials than others and explore why some materials keep a new shape and others change back.

About the Author :
Chris Oxlade is an experienced author of non-fiction books for children. He has written more than 200 titles on science, technology, sports and hobbies, from encyclopedia articles to fun activity books.

Review :
Both natural and man-made materials are the focus of this series. Certain information is repeated in each title, such as the difference between a solid, a liquid, and a gas. Changing Shape provides the most basic information, discussing the properties of materials and whether or not they can bend and twist or are brittle, or are in liquid or gas form. Cooling and Heating introduce concepts such as freezing and boiling points. Mixing and Separating discusses the ideas of mixtures, materials that combine to form a new material, and materials that cannot be combined. A few simple activities provide opportunities to experiment. The color photographs are engaging. These are good introductions to some important scientific concepts. Recommended--Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY School Library Journal November 2009-- "School Library Journal" Different materials change in different ways. Some materials can be stretched, while others can be twisted. Some materials don't change at all. Different materials have different properties. This book contains a glossary, table of contents, index and resources for finding more info. The illustrations are colorful photos that would be interesting to the children and pertain to the topic. The facts and information presented help the children to think about various materials in different ways. Recommended--Georgia Miller, Charlotte Hill Elementary School Clark County School District Library Services2/17/2010-- "Clark County School District Library Services" The reader will learn how different materials may change their shape when pulled, pushed, stretched, twisted, flattened, or squeezed. Each double page layout includes photographs of the topic discussed and two or three simple informative sentences per page. The vocabulary included in this text will enrich primary students understanding of science topics. Each important term is in bold print and found in the glossary. Great resource to introduce solids, liquids, and gases. - Omaha Public Schools-- "Omaha Public Schools" This book is one in a series that focuses on physical science topics. It begins with a discussion of what scientists mean when they describe the properties of a material - a common objective in elementary physical science. Next, readers learn how materials can change shape based on the types of pressure applied to them. A brief hands-on investigation that students can try easily in the classroom or at home is included. In this investigation, students try changing the shapes of various materials. The last portion of the text focuses on properties of materials that determine how easily they can change shape, such as flexibility, rigidity, and brittleness. Following the main text, there is a glossary and a list of books and websites that students can use to learn more about the topic. Many of the photographs feature young children or include objects that young children either use or with which they would be familiar, adding to the context. The book provides primary readers a basic introduction to the topic and would be useful to any teacher who covers these physical science concepts with students in grades 1-3. Recommended--Sarah Hines NSTANovember 2009-- "NSTA" This new science series introduces the many ways in which materials can change. Concepts are presented in a simple, easy to follow format using captioned photographs. Key vocabulary words are in bold and also appear in the glossary. Each title reinforces concepts, and includes a scientific investigation to learn more about the concepts covered. Although the scientific process is not modeled in the investigations, students will gain more insight on the topics discussed. Students and teachers will appreciate the larger print, making the text easier to follow. This series would be a useful addition to any science collection. Bibliography. Glossary. Websites. Table of Contents. Index. Recommended--Suzanne Snead, Elementary Librarian, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Farmers Branch, Texas Library Media Connection November/December 2009-- "Library Media Connection"