Discovery

Earthy Books, and Other Resources

WEATHER by Sinclair MacLeod, Martin Skelton and John Stringer; Ginn/Heinemann, 1989; 24 pps; $10.95

EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM, Sinclair MacLeod, Martin Skelton and John Stringer; Ginn/Heinemann, 1991; 48 pps; $15.95

These two colourful and attractive books are aimed at English audiences, but would make useful additions to New Zealand schoolrooms or libraries. Weather is readable, interesting and eye-catching and introduces students to the different types of weather, the effect of weather on our lives, and the methods for measuring and predicting changes in the weather. This book could be used in a unit that included the science strand Making Sense of Planet Earth and Beyond Level 2 AO 1/4. It could also be a resource at Level 4, particularly the poems. Earth and the Solar System is aimed at an older audience and more like a traditional science text book. It aims to give students an overview of the Earth as a place where we live, what it is made of and how it formed. There is a comprehensive section on fossils and some practical advice on growing crystals. The second part of the book covers our solar system, the Sun, the planets, asteroids, comets and stars. The content and amount of text make this book more suitable for Level 4.

Video: THIS EARTH -- THE SEARCH WITHIN

This BP video (Order No RP14; $34.50) kit deals with the methods and equipment used in the search for minerals and hydrocarbons. It demonstrates tools including Landsat, false colour images and seismic techniques. Written resource material and activities come with the video. The environmental impact of mineral exploration is also covered. The video pack can be adapted for use for all secondary age groups and is available from:

BP Educational Resources
BP New Zealand Limited
PO Box 892
Wellington

BP also has available a wide range of resources relating to oil exploration that are suitable for both primary and secondary students. Information about these resources can be obtained from the address above.

Overseas Resources

An overseas resource for the teaching of earth science that comes highly recommended is:

Science of the Earth

This is a comprehensive collection of practical activities that are based on real life constructional problems faced by engineering geologists. The kit would suit students in the senior part of the school, although it could be adapted for more junior classes and comes with a comprehensive teacher's guide and resource list. The kit also clearly identifies particular targeted skills such as planning an investigation. It is designed for the non-earth scientist teacher to implement. It is available from:

Earth Science Teachers' Association
GEO Supplies 1994
16 Station Road, Chapeltown
Sheffield S30 4XN
ENGLAND