Teaching and learning relies on age-appropriate, credible formal (e.g., textbooks, textbook supplements) and informal (e.g., trade-books) curricular texts. Previous research traced American publishers' self-censorship about human evolution within twentieth-century textbooks. This study, informed by the latest scientific understandings, engaged in…

Means of aiding children when they are reading in a content field were suggested. The author pointed out that there are various structural or organizational patterns in different kinds of texts, and if students were made aware of these patterns they would have a way of preorganizing themselves to increase comprehension. The specialized content…

This article analyzes how science classes carry ideological elements and how that has ethical and deontological consequences with respect to science teaching. Provided are some examples of ideologizing, presenting a worldview, biased contents, and biased image of science. (YP)

Reports on an investigation of 31 introductory geology textbooks indicating that the concept of contact between bodies of rock is only rarely discussed. Data collected pertaining to 15 related terms demonstrated that many are either omitted or inadequately covered. (TW)

A study examined the general content and characteristics of elementary science textbooks and compared selected text segments from several content domains across publishers. The Merrill and Silver-Burdette science programs for grades 1-5 and one level of both the Holt and McGraw-Hill programs were evaluated. Results indicated substantial…

The origins of inquiry activities are discussed in this historical review and assessment of science textbooks. Approximately 80 texts (dated from 1822 to 1910) were analyzed specifically for inquiry teaching strategies. No significant patterns were detected, either by subject or time, which could support an identifiable birth of inquiry. After…

Presents the results of a survey study conducted in the United Kingdom to identify the opinions of 65 chemistry teachers from Middlesex and Buckinghamshire about the use, costs, design, and content of 0 level and A level chemistry books. (HM)

Indicates the inadequacies and limitations of traditionally written elementary science textbooks. Offers suggestions and provides examples for teaching more accurately and experientially the nature and process of science. Identifies several sources for enrichment of the textbook. (ML)

Following brief highlights of the development of organic chemistry, surveys undergraduate organic chemistry textbooks published in English since 1887 to see how the presentation of the subject has changed over the last 100 years. Coverage is restricted to texts designed for courses lasting one year or more. (Author/JN)

Classroom teachers frequently express concern that textbooks and other curriculum materials are too difficult for their students. The objectives of this investigation were to develop a method for scoring the Level of Abstraction (LOA) of science reading material, and explore its relationship with certain other known methods for assessing…

Examines college (introductory level) biology textbooks commonly used since 1950. Reports trends in new textbooks including length, graphics and content. Makes projections of future trends. Identifies major issues facing colleges related to biology textbook users. (CW)

A study examined the effects of an instructional intervention designed to improve high school students' ability to comprehend the gist of biology text materials. Subjects were divided into a strategy group, a read-study group, and a control group. The strategy subjects were given eight days of instruction in a procedure designed to help them…

The purpose of this paper is to update the review of science-related reading research conducted by Yore and Shymansky (1985) and to provide a current research foundation for a science reading research agenda. This review emphasizes the post-1985 literature and selected pre-1985 literature not included in the earlier summary. This summary addresses…