Shaping Materials

Children's Literature

Everything around us that is manmade comes from materials such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass. Some of these materials come in large sheets or blocks that have to be cut. Other materials come in liquids or powders and have to mixed or molded. Artists use chisels to create beautiful work in wood and stone by chipping away some pieces and leaving others. Metalworkers create round objects like rods and poles for pieces of art as well as for practical things like the handles of a hammer or shovel. 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 ice shapes using modeling clay, plastic food wrap, and water. The second activity is making a simple box by cutting out a pattern from card stock. The third, called Beautiful Butterflies, uses construction paper, scissors, and pipe cleaners to create a beautiful butterfly. This series, "Working with Materials," is a good selection for science classrooms at the elementary level. Other titles in the series concern mixing materials, joining materials, and changing materials. Reviewer: Joyce Rice