well-intentioned, but flawed, guidebook
This book has many typographical errors and some scientific errors as well. Intended to reach a nonscientific audience, the authors have oversimplified many topics to the point of giving incorrect information. Nonexpert secondary teachers, for whom the book is intended, will not be well-served and will convey incorrect information to their students if they rely heavily on this volume to the exclusion of other scholarly references in the areas of limnology, zoology, entomology, and general biology. Other general guidebooks, such as the Golden Guides or National Audobon Series provide better information, although not tailored for an educational purpose. Teachers should use this book with caution with respect to the scientific material. Although the science-in-action concept is pedagogically appealing, there are too many errors in this book. With a thorough editing by a knowledgeable expert, this could be a useful tool for the high school classroom.
