Matter: Its Properties and Its Changes (Elementary Chemistry) Teacher's Guide

Matter: Its Properties and Its Changes (Elementary Chemistry) Teacher's Guide is an add-on to the main text in the set (please see related review) and functions primarily as an answer-key. Lesson objectives are listed, along with a few questions and activities to spark discussions. A short introduction sets forth the purpose of the book, lay-out of lessons, and an abbreviated safety section. The student text is reproduced at one-quarter size, with questions and answers printed on the lower half of the page.

The guide suggests the text can be used with grades three through eight, but is most suited for grades four through six. The guide assumes a very basic understanding of science, which won’t be a problem for most home school parents. The guide also assumes the parent knows and understands the importance of enforcing strict safety equipment rules, which might not be a given, if you're not familiar with the safety requirements for conducting chemistry experiments.

My only real problem with this set is the lack of proper safety guidelines. Most home school parents -- especially those not familiar with higher level sciences; the very ones this is directed toward -- aren’t going to know how important safety goggles, gloves and protective clothing are for the person doing the experiment and every person watching.

As long as you keep an awareness of safety in mind, Matter: Its Properties and Its Changes comprises a workable 18-week course in chemistry for higher elementary grades.