ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES - Volume 1, Issue 2, Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
Pages: 266-268
Date of Publication: 25-Dec-2020
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Book Review: The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach (5th ed.) by Dr. Ray V. Herren
Author: Wandra Arrington
Category: Economics
Abstract:
Ray Herren’s textbook, The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach (5th ed, 2017) provides instructors a framework for educating high school and college students in the constantly changing field of science, especially the biological sciences. The book explains the scientific principles behind the production of food and fiber. Modern agriculture is built on these principles, and it is through scientific inquiry that we progress. The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach is divided into 28 chapters, none of which take the traditional approach of most agricultural texts by focusing on the ‘how’ of production. Rather, this book focuses on the ‘way’ or means of production, thereby allowing its readers to build and strengthen their understanding of agriculture as a science.
Keywords: Biology, Agriculture, Science, Teaching, Food and Fiber, Production, Means of Poduction
DOI: 10.47362/EJSSS.2020.1208
DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.47362/EJSSS.2020.1208
Full Text:
Review by: Dr. Wandra Arrington, Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi, USA.
Ray Herren’s textbook, The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach (5th ed, 2017) provides instructors a framework for educating high school and college students in the constantly changing field of science, especially the biological sciences. The book explains the scientific principles behind the production of food and fiber. Modern agriculture is built on these principles, and it is through scientific inquiry that we progress. The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach is divided into 28 chapters, none of which take the traditional approach of most agricultural texts by focusing on the ‘how’ of production. Rather, this book focuses on the ‘way’ or means of production, thereby allowing its readers to build and strengthen their understanding of agriculture as a science.
Throughout the book, chapters feature appropriate and useful materials, including reader-friendly narrative, full-color photos, illustrations and designs of key points, explanations of learning objectives, discussion questions, and student learning activities.
Herren has updated this edition to include readings within each chapter. These readings are broken down into smaller sections with new headings to help students easily learn new concepts and quickly locate specific topics. Students will find ‘bio briefs’ that reflect on current news in the world of science and agriculture, and place a spotlight on exciting agricultural advancements. One of the most beneficial features of the book is its companion site, which features tools to support learning and facilitate teaching. These tools include answers to review questions, an answer key for the lab manual, lesson plans, PowerPoints, testing, construction plans, an image gallery, and resources for developing critical career skills.
Overall, The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach, 5th edition, has up-to-date information for high school and college students entering the exciting field of agriscience. It is in-depth and focuses on providing information for students as they learn the essential information necessary for continued exploration in agriscience. For instructors, the book is a great resource for planning and implementing an instructional program, and ensures an efficient use of time and other resources. Instructors and students can benefit from the book’s companion site resources, which are easy to follow. Overall, the content is accessible and of excellent quality.
Dr. Ray Herren is a renowned author of life sciences textbooks. As a college professor, I utilize both Exploring Agriscience (5th ed, 2017) and The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach (5th ed, 2017) in my agriculture classes.
In comparing both of Dr. Ray Herren’s textbooks and their benefits in terms of student usage, I feel that Exploring Agriscience is idea for introducing students to different aspects of the agriculture industry through hands-on exploration activities. It is a good book for educating high school and college students on understanding basic agricultural terms and industry developments. This textbook focuses mainly on general agriculture concepts.
However, The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach provides instructors with an optimal framework for educating high school and college students. This textbook is good for students who have a basic knowledge of biological science and its impact on society. It is ideal as a supplementary textbook in any biological sciences course. In order to be able to properly utilize this textbook and to fully understand each chapter, students should have a general familiarity with the agricultural and biological sciences.
I recommend both of Dr. Ray Herren’s textbooks to instructors because they both are well-structured, the exercises and exams are manageable, and the textbook content is up-to-date. Both textbooks are available in hardcover and eBook format.
References:
Herren, R. V. (2017). The Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach. 5th ed. Boston: Cengage Learning, Inc. ISBN-10:1337271586; ISBN-13: 9781337271585
Herren, R.V. (2017). Exploring Agriscience. 5th ed. Boston: Cengage Learning, Inc. ISBN 10: 1305949706; ISBN 13: 9781305949706
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