BIOZONE Modular Workbook Series
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Teaching Science
Volume 55, No. 3 September 2009
Reviewed by: Judy Sara
Biozone's Biology Modular Workbook Series is a set of ten books covering an extensive range of topics in the biological sciences. The contents of each module are evident from the titles: Genes and Inheritance, Ecology, Evolution, Environmental Science, Health and Disease, Human Evolution, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology and Skills in Biology. The Biozone website link (www.thebiozone.com/modular.php) promises at least three more modules in the future, titled Zoology. Animal Behaviour and Plant Biology.
The booklets vary in size from 74 pages for the Human Evolution module to 232 pages for the Anatomy and Physiology topic. If you access the Biozone link a brief description of each unit is supplied, and clicking on the 'List of Activities' button provides the titles of all the activities in each module. Some activities are repeated in different booklets. These modules have not been specifically designed to cover any particular curriculum statement, but there would not be too many aspects of biology that are not adequately covered. Perusal of the one-page index at the back of each module reinforces just how much information is covered, in an easily accessible way. Many teachers will already be familiar with the format of this series, which has previously been published in annually-revised editions under the title of Year 11 and 12 Biology Student Workbooks.
Each book begins with the same seven introductory pages explaining how to get the best out of it. This includes a page explaining the terms most frequently used in questions in exams and written assessments, advice on use of the Internet, a concept map for each book, and a page listing recent publications, including relevant supplementary texts, biology dictionaries and periodicals.
The description 'workbook' is important, as these books contain a series of activities designed to be both a source of information, and a way for individual students to interpret and make sense of that information. The students write their answers in their books, which have a Photocopying Prohibited message on each page.
Even when skimming through the books, readers are immediately drawn in to each page to find out more. Each activity has at least half an A4 page of information, with clear well-labelled black and white diagrams or photographs. Every page is carefully designed and bulging with up-to-date, cutting-edge, relevant and scientifically accurate information. This information varies from a basic level that is interesting and accessible to most Year 10 to 12 students, to a level that encourages and enables students to follow their interests and extend their understanding beyond the boundaries of many Australian curricula. Each activity has a footnote with a code providing teachers with information on the style of answers required - from 'describe' to 'explain' to the most challenging, 'discuss'. There is also variety within the activities, from data handling and/or interpretation, paper practicals, extra research and problem solving to extension material.
Teachers, every time you browse through these Biozone books you will be sure to learn something completely new, or come across a clear explanation of a biological process that then becomes so much easier to understand. Your students will gain information in a visually powerful way and be challenged to develop deep understanding. |