Oil and Coal

April 1, 2013

Gr 4-6-This series offers a timely introduction to energy resources, their advantages, disadvantages, and future outlooks of different options. Opening sections lay out a challenge with two or three general questions. The remaining chapters follow a fictitious researcher through the primary research process. Most missions begin with a science teacher providing fundamental information, then move on to a diverse assortment of scientists, engineers, tour guides, plant managers, etc. Each journal entry concludes with the purpose for the next visit. Text boxes explain related concepts. A quick review and a short list of recall statements and comprehension questions end each challenge. Two routine "Further Missions" extension ideas are included, though they are sometimes unrelated to the content or too difficult. Diagrams are rare; more would help explain confusing topics, such as how a ground source heat pump works. The adequate photos on nearly every other page sometimes don't match their captions. This set is almost identical in treatment and content to the "Examining Energy" series (Oliver Press).

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