Under The Microscope

KIWI INTEGRATED SCIENCE (Books 3/1, 3/2, 4/1, 4/2), by L DeLacey, S Haigh, J Sweeny & D Relph; New House 1990; 120-136 pages; $19 each

This is a complete course for third and fourth forms, of two volumes each. The material is sensibly divided into chapters and double-page unit.

The photographs are splendid and the diagrams good, although there is poor draughtsmanship in the sketches. The text is well written and nicely laid out.

There are some problems. Few motorcars have 10-megawatt engines. In addition, the texts should be aware that "scientific method" is a whole new way of thinking for most third formers and quite a few parents. This is not emphasised and I feel it should be.

Ken McAllister