Matter

Gr 5–8—Another high-quality nonfiction offering from Kids Discover. The text introduces readers to the following concepts: atoms, elements, states of matter, mixtures, and physical changes versus chemical changes, as well as real-world examples of the states and their properties. The writing is clear and precise and well suited to those unfamiliar with the topic. Because the app is both comprehensive and illustrative, it could easily serve as an interactive stand-in for texts of a more static nature.The bright, sharp visuals are stunning; each page is pleasingly arranged with an appropriate balance of information and illustration. Animations, sound effects, and short video clips are incorporated throughout, demonstrating, for example, how a steam engine works and what happens when a piece of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is dropped into a glass of water. Accompanying the text is a matching activity, a five-question quiz, and problems for calculating volume. The brief, how-to section that appears when the title is first opened serves as a tutorial. Between the lucid writing and the beautiful visuals, this app will have many classroom applications.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY