A rich seam of Science 1 investigations awaits discovery here by the “science explorer”. Starting from the premise that “Learning about science should be fun”, it is designed to encourage students’ natural curiosity instead of “imposing a rigid learning system which dampens enthusiasm”.

Science Explorer should prove flexible to use and will fit easily into most teaching schemes. The 54 investigations in the pupils’ book cover most topics in the key stage 3 science curriculum, and many could cover all four strands of Science 1.

The experiments are not new, but are revitalised by imaginative contexts, likely to generate interest - false claims by the Yum Yum baby food company, or old Harry’s horse with its hot swollen leg. This scene-setting is a strong feature of the materials.

Students are encouraged to use a range of reporting styles for investigations - comic strips, press releases and reports - for fete committees, police chiefs, parents, only Tom Cobbley is absent.

The investigations also include reminders of relevant science content, guidelines on planning, recording and evaluating results, and extension work. This is less dull than it sounds, as the work is presented in various ways, and is always strongly in the context of the investigation. Appearance helps too - small blocks of text, coloured pictures and charts - less textbook, more cheap magazine in style, appealing to students if not all their teachers.

The copymasters include very useful teacher’s notes; succinct, but with ample evidence of classroom trials: likely pitfalls and how to avoid them and the best ways to obtain good results.

The notes contain a precise description of the experiment, necessary background knowledge for students and teachers, equipment lists, summaries of learning objectives and more, all in about half a page.

Twelve of the copymasters are useful basic skills sheets, eg making a microscope slide. The remaining 42 relate to individual investigations, covering practical techniques, background knowledge or extension work. A few sheets seem packed with information and students might feel daunted although the language here, as in the pupils’ book, is always clear and simple. Most copymasters do not require students to write on them, so photocopied class sets can be re-used.

A lot of care has gone into the production of Science Explorer, with excellent results. It would be a worthwhile and not exorbitant, investment for science departments, repaid in quality of students’ science experience, and in the saving on teacher time and headaches.

Lynne Marjoram is head of science at Kidbrooke comprehensive school, south London