Key Science Physics: New Edition and Key Science Physics for International Schools: Extension File

Abstract

When handling , I recalled how one set of sixth-form students that I taught affectionately referred to Jim Breithaupt's large format book Understanding Physics for Advanced Level as `Big Jim'. This package, for GCSE students and teachers, is its younger brother.Key Science Physics was reviewed in this journal over four years ago. Now it is in a new edition with an expanded ring file of teacher resources (a Teacher's Guide and Extension File). It has been expanded for a wider range of students to meet the requirements of all GCSE syllabuses with additional topics for IGCSE and IB. The international bit seems to be among materials in the file of resources and does not appear in the title of the students' textbook. This is not one of those purchases that will only get occasional use and be left in a department library but it is one that contains sufficient excellent material to become central to any GCSE Physics course. For the students there is a single-volume 396-page textbook in full colour (not a heavyweight book). Marginal comments point out places where an Activity or Assignment from the Extension File fits in. All the materials in the teacher's Extension File are cross referenced to the numbering of this textbook, i.e. its Themes, Topics, Checkpoints, Tests etc, not to page numbers. The margin is used in other attractive ways to highlight a summary, propose a first thought or provide a topic summary. The text is fruitful mix of pure physics, applications and personalities. To support the students' practical work the Extension File contains photocopiable sheets. For the activities and assignments a few contain a harder version to give access to the higher levels of attainment. Four alternatives to practical questions are given; there are also exam questions and multiple choice questions for each topic. These all have helpful mark schemes on the teacher's answers pages. What else do you get? A Glossary collection of sheets to photocopy with space to enter a definition in a second language. Versions of many key diagrams in the student book are enlarged and reworked in clear black and white to make OHP transparencies. There is a mention of these also being in colour on a CD-ROM. The organization of the Extension File is as clear as is reasonably possible. As a user, I would add coloured page dividers to mark the sections within it. The Teacher's Guide is admirable in its restraint - just 26 sides of topic notes - which includes the answers to the non-numerical checkpoint questions missing in the student book. It is not wordy or full of educational theory but succinct and relevant to the day-to-day business of learning with these materials. Reading it, I was aware of the snags that a novice teacher might be glad to know but were missing. As always, materials like these should come with a health warning - try out all homework sheets, instructions for activities and assignments before your students!