Rocky Treats

Reviews

Science Books & Films
++: Highly Recommended
“The author did an outstanding job of making the concepts of molecules and atoms understandable for an elementary student, and these concepts are critical to the discussion of density. Difficult content was developed in a logical sequence and there is a good flow of ideas and experiments within the book. This book is an excellent resource for an elementary science classroom studying forms of matter.”

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children’s Media Recommended -- Superior in style, liveliness, integrity and format.
“Who doesn’t like a good science experiment, especially when mixing, burning, shaking or freezing are involved. Kathleen M. Reilly provides the background vocabulary and explanations of key principals of matter, solids, liquids, and gasses. Real strengths of this book include, the extensive use of academic language, use of analogies and metaphors to understand abstract concepts and the illustrations, diagrams and vocabulary boxes found on every page. Project pages follow every section and can be done with regular household supplies or easily located. Directions for each of the projects are stated clearly, numbered and have a separate supply list with metric as well as familiar measurements. What Happened and Things to Think About sections provide additional support and the back material is superb.”

Booklist
“The accessible text takes a friendly tone, providing ample background information and easily recognizable everyday examples. Cartoon illustrations, inset boxes with facts, and occasional jokes help keep readers engaged. Experimenters are asked to make predictions, try multiple variations, and record observations. This book should provide inspiration and insights into scientific exploration for students, teachers, and budding mad scientists.”

Library Media Connections
“This introduction to basic chemistry investigates solids, liquids, and gases and how these forms of matter change and transform. With a frog-like creature with Albert Einstein’s face as the guide, each chapter provides background material leading the reader to a series of well-constructed hands-on activities. Bolded “Words to Know” are defined immediately in sidebars on the same page. Other text features include “Did You Know?” balloons and the occasional “What’s So Funny?” science joke. This is an attractive presentation, easy to navigate, that encourages young readers to learn through text and experimentation. Recommended”

National Science Teachers Association Recommends (NSTA.org)
"Need something new to spice up your explorations? Twenty-five easy to do investigations, easy to find materials, and excellent explanations will help any teacher to make the study of matter more exciting for classes filled with eager students . . . This book is a must-have for any teacher's personal library!"

Christine Burillo-Kirch, Ph.D
"Thoughtful, engaging explanations coupled with fun experiments and endearing illustrations that demystify difficult scientific concepts. A generation of future scientists will be inspired to go into the kitchen and get to the crux of the matter of ‘matter'!"

Dr. Christopher Gorman, Professor of Chemistry, North Carolina State University
"Fun activities that illustrate how matter behaves in its different forms. Just the sort of thing to pique a budding, young scientist's curiosity!"