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Recent Books
A Brief Course in Physics. CHARLES H. LA=, First Assistant Superintendent of Schwls, Cleveland, Ohio; GEORGE P. UNSELD, Head of the Department of Physics, The West High School, Salt Lake City. Utah. D. C. Heath and Co., New York City, 1931. vi 468 pp. 318 figs. 10 Illustrations. 13 X 19 cm. $1.68.
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The aim of the baok, as set forth by the authors in the preface, is to present the usual subject matter of an elementary physics course in such a manner as to give the pupil an understanding of the fundamental principles of the science and not merely a mass of facts and formulas, and also to avoid diverting the pupil's attention from these principles by numerous descriptions of the ever-multiplying mechanical devices. The introduction includes explanations and definitions of many of the fundamental terms such as matter, space, motion, mass, force, and energy, without which an understanding of physics is impossible. A unique feature of the book is the provision made in the early pages for a thorough review of the simple mathematical processes which are involved in the solution of standard physics problems. The formulas for the area and circumference of a circle, the volume of a sphere and the like, are given in addition to a set of problems involving percentage, decimals, square root, and the solution of equations in one unknown. Many of the later sections a m followed by a page or two of "Mental Arithmetic." The problems are given in the form of sentences to he completed and should be of considemble value to the student. The number of numerical problems of the older typeis somewhat too small. A series of non-numerical questions on each chapter is provided a t the back of the bmk.
The space allotted to sound is about onehalf that given by most textbooks. The essentials are included but the statement is brief and less than the normal attention is given musical instruments and scales. The treatment of heat is also brief. There is no separate section entitled "Light" as in the older textbooks. The essential facts concerning light are included in the section entitled "Radiation." The authors have departed entirely from the usual procedure by introducing the discussion of magnetism after electrostatics and current electricity and its chemical production have been taken up. Magnetism is thus more closely linked with the discussion of the electromagnetic production of current. Those topics which were formerly left for the last few pages of the textbwk have become an integral part of the subject matter from the beginning. The student is not confronted by a mass of isolated theories which, to him, seem contradictory to those which he has already learned. A simple and clear explanation of the recent theories of the structure of matter is introduced in the k t chapter and developed throughout the book. The photoelectric effect and quanta are introduced a t the logical point. Spectra are explained in terms of the passage of electrons from one stationary state to another and spectral series are presented in an understandable manner. The B o b atom is also given considerable space. The baok meets a 5 e a t need by presenting this type of material in so able a manner and should be very stimulating. The presentation of mechanics, heat, and sound, however, leaves something to he desired. GRACE HOOPER G a ~ s ~ w o oSoc a o o ~
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Teaching the Bright Pupil. FAYADAM?., Superhor of Student Teaching and In14154
VOL.8.No. 7
RECEN T BOOKS
strnctor in Education, University of Southern California, and WALKER BROWN, Vice Principal of Bancroft Junior High School, Los Angeles, and Lecturer in Education, University College, University of Southern California. Henry Holt and Company, New York City, 1930. xiv X 249 pp. 12.5 X 18.5 cm. $1.36.
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publication is that it has focused its attention upon schoolroom practice. I t is t o be regretted, however, that the authors have almost wholly ignored the journal publications upon this subject. It is also disappointing to teachers of science to find but eleven pages of suggestions for the enrichment of their teaching, while there are aver thirty pages upon the enrichment of English and twenty-five or more given to the social sciences. Nevertheless the book under review is a desirable addition to the growing literature of this field of education. Especially so because of its contribution to the heretofore but scantily reported experiments of teachers who have been pioneering in this type of Nlriculum enrichment. Forward-looking teachers of chemistry who are in sympathy with the National Research Council's efforts to locate and nurture the superior chemistry student toward creative fields will find stimulation and aid in this volume. B. CLIFTORDHEmRIcKs
The book under review is "intended as a manual of practical suggestions for teachers, supervisors, administrators, and others who are faced with the problem of making the work of the school interesting and profitable for the bright pupil." There is no wish t o "deny the importance of the less-gifted pupils" but it is emphasized that the time has come for a mare "definite recognition of the interests of the bright student." Frank admission is made that the aids suggested are "drawn largely from teachers in junior and senior high schools" and so are valuable as sources of enrichment for the educational experiences of bright pupils in their secondary years. Starting with an apologeticfor a philosophy which recognizes the superior pupil in a democracy, the authors continue The Conductivity of Solutions. CECILW. with an enumeration of the various charDAVIES,M.Sc. (Wales). A. T. C. Senior acteristics of the bright pupil. After a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry. Battersurvey of various means used to identify sea Polytechnic Institute. John Wiley the bright pupil, a chapter is introduced and Sons, Inc., New York City, 1931. that considers the general problem of viii 204 pp. 22 figs. 14 X 22 cm. grouping in relation to the successful $4.00. teaching of these pupils. The extent to which curricula should be altered in minisThose interested in the conductivity of tering to the educational needs of these solutions have been pleased that in the students is then considered. These gen- last years several excellent books and eral considerations are summarized in a "Handbuch" articles have appeared on chapter which bas a sub-caption "Funda- the subject. This hook will in many mental Principles of Teaching Rapid- ways be found to be the most generally Group Pupils." The last two chapters useful of them. For purposes of review in the book contain specific applications it may be divided into two sectionsone of these principles, first, t o curriculum in which the experimental methods and and, second, to extracurriculum ma- results are briefly given, and the other terials. in which there are considered some special The reviewer has found in this one questions which can he investigated by volume an epitome of the philosoohy conductivity studies. . . and experience of those working and writing The results of experimental work are in this field. An added attraction of the discussed with particular reference to the
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