The following list of resources for Secondary level science is centred around the philosophy of resource-based learning in which a variety of resources, rather than one set of textbooks is used to support the curriculum.
For secondary level science, the purchase of a class set of textbooks is neither desirable nor recommended.
Before ordering materials, several factors need to be considered:
Educators are encouraged to move away from a single textbook approach to teaching into resource-based learning, thus providing students with opportunities to interact with a wide range of current media in a variety of learning situations. The resources recommended in this bibliography include kits, software, videotapes, and various print media. In addition, it is important that human resources be called upon from the community to enrich the student learning experiences. Saskatchewan Education is aware of the challenge that resource-based learning poses to educators. Because of ever-changing information and budget constraints, educators are faced with difficult decisions and often request guidance on how to implement resource-based programs. When using this bibliography as a selection aid, educators may find the following suggestions to be helpful:
Background Review
The school board's selection policy should be reviewed.
Materials on bias and resource-based learning should be consulted. For example, the Saskatchewan Education publications Diverse Voices and Selecting Fair andEquitable Learning Materials could be reviewed.
Analyzing Present Resources
The bibliography should be cross-referenced with the school resource centre catalogue to identify and take note of resources already acquired.
Materials in the present collection should be assessed for appropriate scope and sufficient number of resources, based on the needs of the curriculum, students and teachers. Considerations of needs include:
student and teacher background, interests and abilities;
reflection of curriculum philosophy; and,
the accuracy of information, currency and bias, reading level, cultural relevance, adaptability and versatility of resources.
Possible Starting Points for Acquisition
Resource needs not met by present school collections should be considered by individual educators and then discussed with colleagues.
Using the topical index, titles could be identified to strengthen specific weaknesses in the collection.
Key resources have been identified to give extra selection guidance for teachers by identifying resources which have a strong curriculum fit. In some cases, resources with a Saskatchewan focus have also been identified. These key resources have been specifically correlated to the curriculum topics as outlined in :
Science: An Information Bulletin for the Secondary Level - Biology 20/30 Key Resources.
Science: An Information Bulletin for the Secondary Level - Chemistry 20/30 Key Resources.
Science: An Information Bulletin for the Secondary Level - Physics 20/30 Key Resources.
Using the column "other uses", titles chosen under specific topics could then be further evaluated for their versatility to meet needs in more than one subject area or grade level.
Students' suggestions for topics and titles should be considered.
Displays of recommended materials could be organized on a school division level so that educators are provided with the opportunity to preview materials before purchasing. Two or more school divisions might co-operate in organizing these displays.
Pamphlets, posters and other types of ephemeral materials have been excluded from this bibliography. Schools are encouraged to contact various government departments, community organizations and agencies for additional free and inexpensive materials to supplement their collections.
The videotape programs available for duplication from Media House Products could be ordered. These are high quality programs that can be acquired at a nominal cost. Videotape copies can be made on: 3/4" Umatic, 1/2" Betamax or 1/2" VHS video cassettes. Schools are responsible for postage, plus a service charge of $1.00 per title. Media House will be offering a 10% reduction on the duplication charge for a complete series ordered. In order to qualify for the discount, a complete series must be ordered by series title, not individual programs, listing only the first and last video number. Schools also must provide blank tapes or submit payment if they wish to have Media House Productions supply the tapes. Duplication order forms are available from Media House Productions. Please refer to the Distributor Directory for the address and telephone number.
Guides for some films and videos are listed in Audio-Visual Supplementary Material Order Form and are available for a nominal fee from the Book Bureau. Please refer to the Distributor Directory for the address and telephone number.
Networking could be done with neighbouring school resource centres to consider complementary purchases. Sharing expensive resources such as kits, series and novel sets can be very practical if there is a means of circulating resources between and among schools.
Before purchasing any of the listed resources, Saskatchewan Education recommends that educators preview the resources and select the ones that will best meet their needs. Preview policies vary from company to company, but if inappropriate materials have to be returned, they must be in saleable condition. The Book Bureau will not provide preview copies, but will allow materials to be returned. A 20% restocking fee of up to $2.00 per returned item will be charged, however, so it is advisable to order only one copy to review before placing quantity orders.
The Book Bureau will special order materials listed in the bibliography in cases where the materials are not presently stocked by the Book Bureau.
It is hoped that these practical guidelines will assist educators in developing a highly useful, suitable collection of resources which meets the needs of the students and teachers in their community.
Background Review