UNESCO Handbook for S c i e n c e Teachers UNESCO. UNESCO, Paris. France. 1980. 199 pp. Figs. and tables. 17 X 22 cm. This is MUST readine for anvone consid-
marily written for the classroom teacher, it also would be useful to school administrators, curriculum directors, and teacher education departments. In fact, I would like tosee this become required reading in science methods classes. The authors have achieved just the right blend of theories, methodologies, and thought-provoking questions. Chapters on learning theory, child development (both intellectual and emotional), and curriculum advances include much practical information which is directly applicable to the science classroom. Various viewpoints are presented to encourage creativity while providing role models for various classroom situations. The latter half of the handbook presents detailed descriptions of classroom, laboratory and storeroom facilities and the equipment and materials that are needed for mast science classes. A section on safety emphasizes orneedures that are commonlv known teacher, this coverage is for the most part satisfactory and appropriate for this audience. This reviewer is, however, dismayed by the fact that in a list of safety rules, eye pratection ranks no higher than 19th. A serious oversieht also occurs in the "Snat the Hazeye protection is unfortunately not mentioned in the list of "main hazards." The handbook is exceptionally well mitten and well documented. Besides a detailed list of references, each chapter also includes an annotated biblioeranhv. The book is well il-
"New UNESCO Source Book for Science Teaching" published by UNESCO in 1973 and includes numerous references to it. To maximize the usefulness of both volumes, it is therefore recommended that the hooks be considered as a set. A. M. Sarquis Miami University-Middletown 4200 East University Boulevard Middletown, OH 45042
The S h a p e and Structure of Molecules C. A. Coulson. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. 1982. 94 pp. Figs. and lables. 13.5 X 21.5 cm. PI3 $8.95. HE $18.95. This book summarizes in remarkably few pages (19) simple qualitative ideas of the applications of quantum mechanics to shape and structure of molecules, with the following chapters titled Diatomic Molecules, Polyatomic Molecules, Valence Rules, and Delocalized Bonds. The topics in the last chapter cover boranes, Walsh diagrams, benzene and aromatic molecules, transition metal compounds, crystal field theory, and touch on many other subjects within the purview ofthe subject of the hook. This chapter is 15 pages long, and the entire book is 94 pages. I donot think that this hook represents good value for its price. The chemist trying to learn about any one of the topics that are covered would choose to consult larger and more complete books on structural chemistry. The student would find this book heaw mine .. .. indeed. ~ i n r su r many Wpirs arc < I ~ V Cin~ so * h ~ r t n spare. I t dues pnrvidc rnjuynllle readink if you ore famillsr nil11 muit d the c3ncrpts and background. As a final note, I recommend the purchase of McWeeny's revision of "Coulson's Valence," the third edition of "Valence" by C. A. Coulson, if you want to get a very good book that covers this material. William C. Herndon University 01 Texas at El Paso ~
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The Chemistry of Carbon Compounds: Introducing Organic and Biochemistry David E. Newton, J. Weslon Welch, Portland, ME, 1980. iv 325 pp. Figs. and tables. 28 X 23 cm. $7.95.
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This book easily measures up to the exoectations outlined in its introductorv an the functional groups and the reactions typical of each-a time tested, effective approach. Combined with an informal, easyto-read style, the book would be ideal for independent study over 6-12 weeks. The method of uroducine examole reactions
ahle to predict organic chemistry class compound reactions based on meehanismal
patterns and a logical approach estblished thereby. The curious student will be left with man" ouestions if he does not understand the
mechanismal approach to organic chemistry. The text is superior in nomenclature and general outline of the families of compounds, while s~ecialtooics on uolvmers and DDT.
sequences of reactions without explanations. The text is inexpensive to produce and very easy to teach or reviseas the teacher desires. Each lesson is preceded by a proper list of objectives and ends with summary questions and a problem and activities section. The introduction to the text, including the section on carbon bonding, is adequate but a treatment of hybridization would have been helpful. A section on chemical synthesis included in the alcohols chapter has potential but is too ambiguous. It needs clarification and more examnles.
El Paso. TX 79968
Reviewed in this Issue UNESCO, UNESCO Handbook for Science Teachers C. A. Coulson. The Shape and Structure of Molecules DavidE. Newton, The Chemistry of Carbon Compounds: introducing Organic and Biochemistry Bruce Chalmers, The Structure and Properties of Solids: An Introduction to Materials
Reviewer A. M. Sarquis William C. Herndon Robert Watson
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A. Navrotsky
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Leslie S . Forster
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Science Robert A. Alberty, Physical Chemistry, Sixth Edition Titles of interest
Volume 60 Number 12
December 1983
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