Discovery

NITROGEN DYNAMICS IN THE ENVIRONMENT, by Angela Schipper & Louis Schipper; Landcare Research,1998; 110 pp; $15.00

(Available from Landcare Research, Waikato University, Hamilton)

Reviewed by Michael Delceg

This book is intended to provide classroom activities which will increase the student's understanding of the movement and role of nitrogen and its compounds, particularly in the biosphere.

There is an emphasis on the environmental effects of various human activities on the nitrogen cycle and the biosphere. There are activities which meet achievement objectives from Levels 4-8 of the curriculum, so there is something here for most science teachers.

The lessons are in five sections: Nitrogen -- An Essential Element; Environmental and Health Concerns; Nitrogen Considerations in Natural Systems; Nitrogen Management and Alternative Nitrogen sources.

Most of the practical work can be done with readily available materials, although a nitrogen test kit is necessary for some of them (a local source is given).

Student work sheets are set out in photocopyable form, and there is good background material for the teacher. Some activities extend over weeks, while others can easily be completed within a class period.

There are also Take-Home Activities which help increase student's perception of the relevance of the topic. There is elementary quantitative work on calculating areas and fertiliser usage and other similar exercises, many of which can be done on spreadsheets.

One criticism of this book might be the neglect of non-elemental atmospheric forms of nitrogen such as those contributing to urban air pollution, a rather surprising omission from a book with a strong environmental message.

This book would be of particular use for classes in regions where students are likely to involve themselves in farming activities, or are taking an agriculture option. It can also be used as a science department resource for information on practical activities related to the nitrogen cycle which are not easily available elsewhere.

Michael Delceg is a maths and science teacher from Nelson.