edited by HARRIETG. FRIEDSTEIN Rochester Institute of Technology P 0. Box 9887 Rochester, NY 14623
media exchange Chemistry for Changing Times John W. Hill, Burgess Publishing Co.. Minneapolis.
MN, 3rd
Ed.,
1980,$15.95.
John Hill believes that chemistry can and must be presented to nonscience students in such a way as to stimulate interest and to provide an appreciation for the chemical world which affects our health and future daily. He has produced aprogram of instruction to do just that. Basic principles of chemistry are introduced, including atomic structure, bonding, equations, mole theory, aeid-base theory, simple stoichiometry, redox, energy transformations, and some oreanic chemistrv. The remainine two-thirds of the text relates these hm; prmcydrs to rhc chcmical world irl u h k h u e li\,r-nnmclg. narurirl resource.;, furlz. rynthrr~cmsrcrinls, i t d water, iiir, u;l~tci, l~uuscholdchrtuicali, cosmeri~s,dm:, and poiam, nnd the rhem~str> of the mind. SI units are used in the presentation of most chemical principles, though old metric units are maintained where these are more likely to be encountered by the nonscience student-for example, calories, rather than ioules. to relate the enerev of foods to weight rain. The
plemental readings. The "Student Study Guide" contains a list ofbehavioral objectives and additional problems andquestions for each chapter. It aiso provides answers to all problems in the text. "Chemical Investieations for Chaneins ,. ~.Times" the lab manual. pn,vid~.n tmal oiR: erperlment? fair the 11 units bawd on tnr rupic, in the rrxthonk. Of special interest t8, the high schob trachcr is tllr iacr that man) of t h e i r ran I , atwmpliih~dunhm a class pcriud and can be used by teacher or student as demonstrations. In addition, wherever possible, materials used are from the student's worldfoods, plants, soil, the atmosphere, etc. In days when teachers are faced with shrinking budgets, as wellas encouragement to provide relevant science instruction for all citizens, Hill has produced a set of materials which are mast useful. Many secondary chemical educators have had a tendency to provide society-related science instruction to poor readers and slow learners because of the motivation it provides. However, for the sake of our future, don't all of our students, including the very best, deserve the same opportunity? This set of books would he very useful as reference or supplementary materials for the high school teacher andlor students. ~
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GRACE FISCHERMCGUFFIE Northwestern High School Hyattsville. MD 20762
I was parricularly imprrs-ed with the"Studcnt Study Guide"that ~vwmpanirdthe rexr "Chemisrry hrr (!hanging T~mcs."Alrhourh this guide uas urittrn ior this specific text. I I would he u ~ u ulth l many other texts and could evenbe adapted to an independent study program. The cleverly written introduction advises the student on "How to Survive Chemistry with a Satisfactory Grade." There is a periodic table on the second page which is backed with the Table of Atomic Masses.
Each chapter in the guide has an overview,listed objectives, practice exercises, and self-tests. The objectives clearly state what a student should know when the chapter study is completed. The practice exercises include examples with a clear ratio-method solution adjacent to the problem. Two to seven additional problems without solutions are given. The self-test, varying from twelve to twenty-two questions, completes the chapter. Answers for the additional problems and the self-test, which is multiple-choice, are given at the end of the chapter. The attractive paperback guide is firmly bound. Each page has good spacing, clear printing, and wide margins. The last section of the guide gives answers to the problems found at the end of each chapter in the text. The study guide would be useful with modern, basic texts or with an independent study plan. The student will find that the structured, basic material is easy to read and includes enough additional problems for reinforcement. He will also find that the math requirement is minimal, that there are many opportunities to accomplish the objectives, and that the material is relevant and interesting. BETTY MAGRUDER Chatsworth High School 10027 Lurline Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 Fish Farming Handbook E. Evan Brown and J. B. Gratzeck, AVI Publishing Co.. Westport. CT, 1980,$24.50.
This is not a chemistry book, hut it deals with chemical principles which are useful in a surprisingly large industry. It is estimated that the aquaculture industry has a gross revenue of one billion dollars in fish farms, fee-fish-out ponds, processors, suppliers, and related activities. Some of the more important species discussed are catfish, rainbow trout, big mouth buffalo, tilapia, eel, salmon, bait fish, goldfish, and tropicals. Some of the chemical principles discussed are countercurrent exchange (02and gill blood), chemical control of pond weeds, pH, equilibrium, photosynthesis, Le Chatelier Principle (not so named), buffering, oxidation, chemical toxicants, chemical treatment of fish diseases, chemical treatment of ponds and equipment, and chemical fertilizers. The chapter on "Maintenance and Improvement Ponds," is probably of most use to a chemistry teacher. It contains a very good discussion of the interrelationships between Con, C032-, and photosynthesis in different kinds of ponds with different kinds of underlying minerals, and the resulting effects on pH and therefore on fish life. This book could have some limited use in a highschool chemistry program. It might be given, as collateral reading, toastudent with an interest in fishing, and, in fact, if given to the right student, might develop an interest that could turn into avocation. One learns in this book that there is certainly opportunity for a profitable business in aquaculture. The text could be used in connection with a unit on equilibrium to show some of the complicated reactions that go on in nature. In this context it might even be used to show how man is attempting to alter This feature allows for extended coverage which includes all instructional aids (e.g.. games, models, kits, charts, bwklets, brochures, and, of course. the standard audiovisual items). With me large volume of print and A-V materials available and the limited budgets of most chemistry departments,this exchange Offers a valuable service. If you are interested in assisting in this process, send Your name and address to the feature editor. Volume 59
Number 7
July 1982
621
