Into Technology. Key stage 2 Design and Technology, By Annette Bindon and Andrew Cooper, Nelson. Pupil’s Book 3 and 4 Pounds 5.25 Teacher’s Resource Book B Pounds 22.99

This series offers practical material which can be used to devise a comprehensive scheme of work. If you’re looking for stimulating activities with clearly stated learning objectives and well-presented lesson plans, you’ll welcome some of the suggestions here. There are several photocopiable pages, and useful sections on extension work, assessment and IT opportunities. A table helps teachers select from more than 50 projects, giving examples of the three types of activities described in the national curriculum. The layout is easy to follow, and illustrations pick out essential elements.

Nelson’s Into Technology for key stage 2 is in the same well-presented style as the earlier key stage 1 publications. The Resource Book contains teaching notes on 60 themes, guidance on interpreting curriculum requirements and on assessing and recording pupils’ work. Helpful teacher’s notes include sections on preparation and highlighted teaching points.The pupil’s books contain a variety of themes with a good balance of text, colour photographs, cartoons and line drawings.

A project on chocolate shows that the mechanical forming of chocolate employs the same processes as forming metals or plastics. Surprisingly, the most enjoyable way of testing this product is not included in the exercise.

Ronald Lewin is a technology education consultant.