EARTH AND SPACE. By Nick England and Rosalind Jones. Hodder Stoughton Pounds 6.99. - 0 340 60557 X.

Age range 14 - 16

The inclusion of Earth science in the 1989 national curriculum for science required many science teachers to tackle unfamiliar work. Some found this exciting and responded with enthusiasm by planning new approaches to their lessons. Others felt threatened and attempted sabotage by suggesting that Earth science should be dumped by Sir Ron Dearing. While Earth science remains part of the 1995 order for science, it is reasonable to expect inexperienced teachers to be provided with good resource materials.

How the Earth Works is a science teacher’s guide to the Earth science component of the national curriculum for key stage 3. In seven units, the book covers all the necessary material through an investigative approach. Each unit includes the relevant statements of attainment and parts of the programme of study from the 1995 version of the national curriculum.

Background knowledge is given for teachers together with details of the pupil activities. Photocopiable worksheets and homework activities are also provided in each unit. Five appendices deal with Concept level; Technician’s Guide; Resources; Glossary; and An introduction to plate tectonics.

This is a useful resource for teachers who need good ideas for practical activities suitable for pupils aged 11-14. The activities are interesting and they will develop pupils’ scientific skills. The inclusion of homework projects is helpful to build on work covered in the science laboratory. The worksheets are clear and well illustrated with good quality black and white photographs and diagrams. The advice for teachers is drawn from substantial expertise and the appendices are very useful. Unfortunately, the dull cover doesn’t encourage the reader to discover the gems inside.

Earth and Space is aimed at students taking science and geography at key stage 4. The main text includes 24 pages on Earth and atmosphere and 22 pages about astronomy. This is laid out mainly in double-page spreads with questions on each spread. At the end of the book there are examination type questions in a “Things to Do” section and a collection of eight practical activities. The Earth and atmosphere section deals with aspects of the weather, as it affects the British Isles, and geology. This covers: the rock cycle, structure of the Earth and plate tectonics. In the astronomy section students can learn about the origins of the Universe, the formation of stars and planets, historical ideas about the motions of planets and the effects which the Earth’s motion has on our seasons.

The book’s style is straightforward and informative and includes all the knowledge required by GCSE science syllabuses. It is well illustrated with colour photographs and clear diagrams. But it does not encourage a scientific approach to the topics. The practical activities, which are separated from the main text, are mostly models to stimulate processes that take years to happen. This book would provide a useful addition to a science library or as background reading for teachers who may not be familiar with these topics.

Alan Boyle is the senior inspector for Haringey Council Education Services