Biology Matters!

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This set includes Introduction to Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microorganisms, Plants, Animals, The Human Body, Reproduction, Evolution, and Ecology. Each slim volume introduces its subject, examines the history of people's understanding of the topic, and explores aspects of modern thinking. For example, Ecology includes mini-chapters on cycles of nature, climate, ecosystems, human impact, and conservation. All of the volumes include plentiful color photos, charts, tables, diagrams, and maps. While some of the photos are simply filler, the other illustrative material will be useful for reports. Sidebars and boxes are numerous, often two to a spread, and add a considerable amount of information. They offer glimpses of life long ago and the scientists that study the past; controversies and mysteries; simple experiments; specific questions to reflect on; and more. In each volume, the table of contents lists the wrong page numbers for the glossary and "More Information" sections. Each volume includes a set index. Despite flaws and an occasionally preachy tone, the set provides an adequate introduction to the field and includes some simple ideas for related projects and papers.-Shauna Yusko, St. Monica School, Mercer Island, WA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.