SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS 9. Hirsch, Alan J. and others. Toronto, Wiley,c1986. 546pp, paperbound boards, $30.00, ISBN 0471-79734-0. CIP Grade 9 Reviewed by Eve Williams Volume 14 Number 6 1986 November Science Explorations 9 has no pretentions about being anything other than a textbook; it looks like a textbook, it works like a textbook, and its format within a chapter is that of a textbook. Each chapter introduces and defines its subject, discusses models, has activities (both experiments and "Stop and Check" activities), points of interest, a little history, i.e., early theories, and a vacabulary checklist. Topics covered in the book include: matter, chemical change, light and colour, cell functions, green plants, food, energy and people, and exploring space. I hope the material in this book was tried and tested within the school laboratory, and, certainly, practising teachers are thanked in the book for their critical input. I would also hope that all this material was piloted before the book was published, but no indication of this is given. The most interesting feature of Science Explorations 9 is the inclusion of profiles of Canadian-based scientists who, in short biographical essays, explain what attracted them to their particular field. Sadly, these articles are dropped further on in the book. A cursory examination of this book does not do it justice as a teaching tool. However, it is not recommended for general library purposes, and it would need a school year's input before one could recommend it for classroom use. Not recommended for subject reference. Eve Williams, MacNaughton H.S., Moncton, N.B.