February 22, 2004

To build a scientifically literate society, exposure to science should ideally begin at an early age. Paramount publishing’s Awareness Science series are meant to do this.

The series consist of six volumes for use in the primary schools. They are based on what the publisher describes as an “investigative approach” which makes the child think as he or she learns the subject. Each volume is beautifully and profusely illustrated and the text is in an easy to read large format. In the end of each booklet, “teachers notes” are provided for the teacher’s guidance and as an outline for simple practicals. For example, on the subject of seeds, it is suggested that various fruits be brought to the class and cut so that children realize that seeds are found inside the fruit, and that some fruits have one, whereas others have several seeds. The seeds are then distributed amidst the pupils. They are shown how to sow them and look after the sprouting plant.

The books gradually get more and more advanced with increasing numbers, and each chapter is on a different scientific topic. The books also have an “awareness beyond the class room” section, which is meant to widen the horizon of the reader, by providing interesting information for independent study. In books 3-5 there is a glossary of important terms at the end. These are well selected and would be useful for both the teacher and the student.

On the whole the books are error free but a few definitions and spelling mistakes need to be corrected. In the section on dinosaurs, various theories of their extinction are mentioned, but the most likely one, that this happened due to the impact of an asteroid on the Earth 65 million years ago is missing. I also did not find any mention of evolution, which is basic to modern biology. A few diagrams need to be redrawn. On page 27, of book 5, the arrow pointing to cerebellum should be lower. However, these are minor shortcomings and can be easily corrected in the future editions. For making illustrations I suggest a greater use of computer generated images rather than free-hand drawings as these are more precise.

In summary, Paramount Publishing have produced a set of very useful books for introducing science at the primary school level, and they deserve to be widely used. They obviate the necessity of importing foreign publications on the subject, and with further improvement, could even be exported to other countries.

Paramount Awareness Science — An Investigative Approach
Book-0
ISBN 969-494-080-X
27pp. Rs65
Book-1
ISBN 969-494-081-8
82pp. Rs125
Book-2
ISBN 969-494-082-6
134pp. Rs150
Book-3
ISBN 969-494-083-4
153pp. Rs175
Book-4
ISBN 969-494-084-2
160pp. Rs180
Book-5
ISBN 969-494-085-0
Paramount Publishing Enterprise, 152/O, Block 2, PECH Society,
Karachi-75400
Tel: 021-4310030.
Email: paramount@cyber.net.pk

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