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CHEMISTRY COUNTS, 2ND EDITION, by Graham Hill; Hodder and Stoughton,1995; 282 pp; $54.95

Reviewed by David Paterson

Chemistry Counts is an attractive publication designed to meet the requirements of the United Kingdom syllabus for GCSE Chemistry. This corresponds fairly closely to the curriculum for form six chemistry in New Zealand. Information is clearly laid out in double page units with questions suitable for homework or in-class study with each unit. Every page includes colour pictures or diagrams providing hundreds of examples of chemistry in action -- industrial processes, properties and uses of substances, natural features of the landscape and people involved in chemistry.

The book is divided into twelve chapters and at the end of each are activities and extra study questions. These activities provide some excellent ideas for teachers to extend students and encourage the use of some more modern teaching techniques. Some examples are:

  • use of spreadsheets to record results and plot graphs
  • surveying the class or general public on chemical issues
  • use of newspaper articles to stimulate questioning
  • roll plays on chemical issues affecting a community

Chemistry Counts would be a very useful resource for any teacher or student of chemistry at fifth, sixth, or 7th form level. Although the examples are all UK based the book manages to place the information and explanations in suitable contexts and in a colourful and appealing manner.

David Paterson teaches science at Shirley Boys' High School in Christchurch