student actively, hut it also provides a cheek to assure that the argument is heing followed. Discussions begin a t the simplest level and are developed in considerable detail. Many examples and analogies help illustrate chemical principles. Another pedagogical feature is the overt emphasis on the organization of the material. For example, introductory chapter outlines serve as advance organizers for the material to be presented. Consistent with these advantages, but worthy of separate attention, is the emphasis given to problem solving as a learning technique. The book contains over 2500 problems, many with detailed explanations and all with answers. Amajor emphasis of the book is the dimensional analysis problem solving technique. This is one of the strongest features of the text, and one that could he used, with some adaptation, in physical science courses and should certainly he taueht to all chemistrv students. This chanter alone is worth the perature is alsu very valuable. As difficult as it may he to accept, experience has shown that heginning students need instruction in how ta actually use a calculator and the book does not provide any. The book does not include kinetia mechanisms. Finally, students need an explanation of the difference between the dimensional analysis problem solving techniques and the formula methods such as that used with the gas laws. In summary, DeLorenzo's hook would he a valuable addition to any secondary chemistry teacher's library. It is a valuable source of a large quantity of problems when drill is needed. I t can serve as a tutorial for a student who has missed a lesson or is having difficulty with a topic. It may also he used with a gifted child to provide enrichment. The hook would probably be too short on theory to serve as astandalone text, but its richness of analogies, anecdotes, and relevant interest-piquers recommend it.
dents may be persuaded to make more effort to cope with theory, particularly since the theory is not presented with overwhelming mnthemntica. -~ -...For the above topics, the book becomes an excellent guide for the teacher a t the first-year level and would he useful as the text for the second year, or AP student. The Stereoptieon Viewer, included in a case attached to the hack cover of the book, is a boon for students a t any high school level, and teachers, too, unless the teacher is particularly adept a t three-dimensional thinking. The viewer can he used to reinforce the tetrahedral model of the carbon atom, to show more complicated hyhridizatian or molecular orbital models, or to show crystal structure andlor
terested in making assignments recognizes the usefulness of this service. A "Laboratory Manual" accompanies the text. For the most part, this manual is directed to very tangible aspects of chemistry: coal as a mixture, limiting reagents, use of gas volumes in analysis of mixtures such as KC103, impurity of heer cans, acids in citrus fruits or antacids, redox reactions involving bleaching agents-among others. These experiments could be performed by second-year students; AP students would enjoy them immensely; however, except for the paperand-pencil exercises involving the Periodic Law, first-year students would find the directions complicated beyond comprehension. A "Study Guide" has been written for the text, one version heing presented using SI units. Frommy paint of view, the "Study Guide" is useful to the teacher as a quick summary of the major points of the chapter, but not the student, because I prefer that my students preoare their awn "studv euidd'as thevread the text. I want thestudent
AL EVANS Coordinator. Gined Program Cherokee County Georgia 2301 Waleslca ~ o a d Canton. GA 30114
rate memory, rather than "understanding leading to remembering." In summary, this group of books will be of benefit to a high school teacher for anv level course because of the method of treatine ideas
General Chemistry, principles and Structures James E. Brady, and GeraldE. Humiston, John Wiley and Sons. New York, 1978.$16.95
EIZABETHK. JOHN McCaskey High School Lancaster. PA 17604
Laboratory Manual for General Chemistry Jo A. Beran, and James E. Brady, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1978.
Study Guide and Selected Problem Solutions to Accompany General Chemistry James E Brady, and Thedore W Sonery, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1978. (Reviewed J CHEMEDUC. 56, [3]A 142 ( 1979)
At every level of chemistry, students are involved in several
pro^
cesses a t the same time. They must acquire a great deal of new in-
formation about the physical universe. Then they must use imagi~ nation to create a picture to explain what they have observed, the explanation including mathematical treatment. And finally, having remembered sufficient observations and created the theory, the student must learn to use the theory to predict future events or rationalize laws which have been stated in the past. The teacher, then, must keep all these facets of intellectual endeavor in mind as a course in chemistry is put together. The book, "General Chemistry," seems to do this, particularly in its discussion of the kinetic molecular theory (Ch. 6); bonding theory (Ch. 17); and the various theories of acids and bases (Ch. 13). I particularly like the attempt t o think through, with the student reader, the implications of the kinetic molecular theory as an explanation for gas pressure, and the LawsofBoyle, Charles, and Gay-Lussac. All too frequently students memorize this information without understandine haw such behavior can he exolained. Now. with both teacher
2 The scope and level of subject matter in the "General Chemistry: Principles and Structure" are most appropriate for use as a general reference a t the high school level. The standard topics found in a freshman eeneral chemistrv text are covered. Also included are aovarious reference tahles on the inside covers. The unique feature of this hook is the liberal use of stereo pictures, viewed through a cardboard Stereopticon stored in a pocket on the inside cover. The stereo pictures of charge cloud distributions, orbital orientations, molecular shapes and crystal lattices clearly visualize spatial relationships. Unfortunately, instructions on the use of the viewer are inadequate and should have been supplemented with a few diagrams. A second strung point of the hook is the comprehensive set of review questions and problems a t the end of each chapter. A helpful list of types of problems and questions heads each review section, followed by an average of twenty to thirty questions and twenty to forty problems. Answers to even-numhered prohlems are included in an appendix. Numerous chapters of "General Chemistry" present topics in encyclopedic detail. Although this method of presentation communicates a wealth of information, it becomes difficult for the beginning student to assess the relative importance of material, which must look like a collection of unrelated facts. By way of contrast, the chapters dealing with quantitative aspects of thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium are better focused and stress a few easily identifiable main ideas. The Studv Guide and Selected Pmhlem Solutions is closelv coor-
Volume 59
Number
I
January
1982
77
