Joining Materials

Children's Literature

Everything around us that is manmade is made up of materials. Metal, glass, plastic, or paper items are all materials. When two or more of these items are put together, it is called a mixture. When materials are molded into something different, it is known as shaping. When we put two materials together but they are still two distinct materials, that process is known as joining. Two boards are held together with a screw or nail, but the wood pieces are joined. Paper is applied to a wall with glue, but it is still paper and a wall. Plywood is created by gluing several thin sheets of wood together. Bright photographs and limited text will appeal to young readers. Inset boxes, which are two-by-two inch boxes with the heading "It's A Fact" give additional information. The glossary defines words that are printed in bold type through the text. The index and recommended reading and web sites, as well as places to visit, make this a good research source for elementary students. Three hands-on activities are included in this title. The first is making glue with flour and water. The second activity is making a papier-mâché head using flour and water over newspaper. The third activity is to create a picture frame using a plastic CD case, glue, scissors, and a photograph. This series, "Working with Materials," is a good selection for science classrooms at the elementary level. Other titles in the series concern mixing materials, changing materials, and shaping materials. Reviewer: Joyce Rice