Candace Smith
Booklist
December 2009
Using everyday examples (such as tea steeping in hot water and sugar dissolving into lemonade), this well-organized program explains the characteristics and terminology of solutions. Solutions are not only liquids but can be in the form of gases (air) and solids (alloys) as well. Key concepts, including concentration, solubility, acids, and bases, are discussed. Clear voice-over narration describes the simple experiments, with on screen captions reinforcing important terms. Frequent prompts, including “You compare” and “You observe,” suggest that teachers pause the video and discuss, such as pondering whether salt or pepper dissolves more easily. Youthful actors participate, adding interest and variety to the straightforward program, which concludes with a brief recap and a five-point video quiz. Includes an extensive teacher’s guide.