The Queensland Science Teacher,
Volume 35, No.2, 2009.
Reviewed by: Sue Monteath
"...easy access to topics and
cross referencing to
the contents page... offers flexibility to schools...
...
provide a good
foundation for further studies"
Biozone has branched out and now offers modular
workbooks in addition to the well known course
workbooks (for year 11 and year 12 Biology).
These modular workbooks offer similar worksheets
and background information as presented in the
year 11 and 12 course books (many are duplicated).
However, each module provides a concept map for
the context presented which Iinks the topics
covered. Model answers for the modular workbook
series are available on CD.
Those who are familiar with the course books will
find the same support in the modules with
information on how to use the workbook, using the
BIOZONE internet website and text based resources
information (for the student). The index at the back
of the book provides easy access to topics and
cross referencing to the contents page at the front.
The modular series offers flexibility to schools
considering introducing biology in year 10 - an
option set out in the QSA Year 10 guidelines. Some
of the modules for example "Skills in Biology", may
be helpful to use in Year 10 to provide a good
foundation for further studies in the subject. Some
of the exercises in this workbook would be too
advanced for many year 10s -Analysis of Variance
and Chi-Squared test.
The modules which are now available at a unit price
of $11.95 are:
- Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Health and Disease
- Skills in Biology
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Genes and Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Evolution
- Ecology
- Environmental Science.
A number of these module topics would also be
useful resources for students taking Science 21 for
example, the "Health and Disease" module. This
module provides considerable fundamental
information to develop knowledge and conceptual
understanding of disease. Opportunities to analyse
second hand data assist students to develop their
investigative processes. Issues and impacts can be
readily studied with this resource as there are many
examples which provide the stimulus for further
investigation.
These modules provide teachers with the flexibility
to enhance teaching practices. They can be used
to introduce a topic, help gain in depth knowledge
and understanding and consolidate learning.
One characteristic of the module (and course)
worksheets which may be criticised is that they
are often very text heavy and the font is small. This
has been an issue for some of my students,
particularly those with visual impairments.
Using these modules may be far more sustainable
(environmentally and financially) than teachers
producing and photocopying handouts for
homework or for the lessons when they are now
able to be with the class. These modules could be
considered as a useful resource based on your
school work programs and student cohort. |
