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Under The Microscope

FIFTH FORM SCIENCE RESOURCES, by Anne Wignall and Terry Wales; Longman Paul, 1995; $29.95

The immediate advantage of this book is that its use means that only one text is required for Level 6 of the National Curriculum in Science. All four strands are covered, as is each achievement objective.

Each unit is self-contained for that topic and includes theory at a level that pupils can read for themselves, with important words highlighted; applications of the topic; teacher demonstrations; and questions that can usually be answered from the text. Practical work for pupils is, however, not included. Each strand contains two chapters called "Applications" which cover a relevant New Zealand example, such as superphosphate manufacture, importance and use which is covered at the end of the "Material World" strand.

Two chapters are also included in each strand called "Technology Focus", for example microscopes are a focus for "The Living World" strand and the chapter covers different types of microscopes. Every strand is concluded with a questions section that provides detailed resource-based questions on a wide range of topics, and the text is well illustrated with clear diagrams and well produced photos. Entertaining cartoons are also used effectively to illustrate examples or concepts.

At the end of the book are quick, easy to use and understand "Useful Information" pages that include symbols, formulae, common ions, substance names, gas tests, information on planets and a copy of the periodic table.

This text is best suited for the teacher or pupil that only wants to use the book for the Level 6 work in Science. The book's focus on summarised information and lack of practical components make it most suitable as a teacher reference or pupil revision guide, rather than a day-today in-class text. Overall, as an excellent summary of the Level 6 curriculum, this text stands out as a useful aid in the classroom.

Rosalie Johnson is HoD Science at Avonside Girls' High School.