National Association of Media and Technology Centers
NAMTC Curricular Media
2005
What is Matter? is one chapter of four from the Matter in Action DVD. The other three chapters on the DVD are Solids, Liquids, and Gases - Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures - and Atoms. What is Matter? does an excellent job of introducing the idea of matter and how it can be measured. Topics covered are properties, mass and weight, and density. The video does an excellent job of showing real life examples that are interesting as well as graphics to help further understanding of each concept. All on screen text is easily read and narrated with clear pronunciation. The high scores for this come from the use of both real life and computer graphics to explain ideas that are interesting and well described. Video contains intermittent "You Decide" questions for the viewers to answer as well as a summary and video quiz. A 30-page teacher's guide accompanies this video that contains assessments, labs and activities for your students. The video is best suited for grades 6-8 as an introduction into matter or a quick review for grades 9-10. Much to basic for any higher grades. This program would be an outstanding addition to any teacher's collection.