Book reviews -- Science Projects--A Modular Approach by Mike Farmer

School Science and Mathematics, Nov 1995 by Eichinger, John

Science Projects--A Modular Approach is a practical guide to the selection and implementation of successful science fair investigations. This small volume details research and experimental methodology in a step-by-step manner that is custom-made for actual classroom use. Geared for the high school level (and possibly some advanced middle schoolers), it could be used as a resource book and research agenda for teachers. It would also be most appropriate as a supplementary student text.

Farmer provides novice investigators with a comprehensible and thorough, nine-module plan that includes: topic selection, background research, purpose, experimental design, data analysis, writing skills, and exhibit preparation. The process begins with the valuable suggestion that selecting a topic can be "quite simple if you ate it to something you are interested in" (p.3). Farmer mains true to this initial student-orientation throughout the book. He offers information and insight on numerous relevant topics such as timelines, safety issues, data recording, and quantitative analysis. In addition, the book is filled with practical, helpful hints--small yet important ideas that are often overlooked, e.g., crossing out errors rather than erasing, and making sure that one's 35 mm slides are not upside down or reversed in the carousel. The worksheets that follow each module are facilitative and often open-ended in terms of questions asked.

The strengths of Science Projects--A Modular Approach are that it is well organized, clearly written, and based upon student and teacher needs. Particularly valuable segments include those on experimental design, data analysis (although some accompanying explanation for the quantitative methods would be necessary for most precollege students), references/bibliography, and the science project idea list.

Weaknesses are few, but some are worth mentioning. Since this guide focuses on using the traditional, quantitative "scientific method," students interested in other strategies such as qualitative investigations, collections, and inventions will need additional sources. Farmer also concentrates on the competitive aspects of science fairs and essentially ignores cooperative and collaborative options. The book's desktop publishing form, with varying print size/font and frequent inclusions (quotes and illustrations, mostly), is visually busy and relatively informal (although this could be an asset if students interpret the text as familiar and unimposing). Though generally well written, there are isolated editing slip-ups and idiosyncratic additions, e.g., a segment on "Misused Words" is too short to be very helpful. Perhaps most importantly, mate figures dominate the book's illustrations, including the drawing on the cover. In fact, all individuals portrayed as actually DOING science, whether cartoonish or not, are males.

In his preface, Farmer states his desire to combat the problems of inadequate planning, insufficient time, shortage of student incentives, and lack of teacher direction. Science Project--A Modular Approach certainly meets its objectives, and, despite the limitations mentioned above, would be a valuable addition to any secondary-level science classroom.

Note: S. Wali Abdi's address is the University of Memphis, Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, 401 A Ball Hall, Memphis, TN 38152.