A Comparative Study of Six Decades of General Science Textbooks: Evaluating the Evolution of Science Content

Autor/in	Lewis, Anna
Titel	A Comparative Study of Six Decades of General Science Textbooks: Evaluating the Evolution of Science Content
Quelle	(2008), (252 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit Ph.D. Dissertation, University of South Florida
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
ISBN	978-1-1093-7207-6
Schlagwörter	Hochschulschrift; Dissertation; Textbooks; Grade 9; Comparative Analysis; Physics; Earth Science; Educational Practices; Biology; Chemistry; Evolution; Science Curriculum; Science Education; Science Instruction; Grade 8; Elementary School Students; Middle School Students; Secondary School Students; United States + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Thesis; Dissertations; Academic thesis; Textbook; Text book; Schulbuch; Lehrbuch; School year 09; 9. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 09; Physik; Earth sciences; Geowissenschaften; Bildungspraxis; Biologie; Chemie; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; School year 08; 8. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 08; Middle school; Middle schools; Student; Students; Mittelschule; Mittelstufenschule; Schüler; Schülerin; Sekundarschüler; USA
Abstract	This study examined science textbooks over time to better understand the "science content" expectations that the U.S. educational system deems appropriate for 8th and 9th grade science students. The study attempted to answer the questions: (1) What specific science content has been presented via the textbook from 1952 to 2008? (2) Within which areas and in what way does the science content change? (3) Are new scientific findings reflected in 8th and 9th grade U.S. general science textbooks? Twenty-six themes were identified which reflect five areas in science: Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Biology, and Process of Science. Trends in science content in U.S. 8th and 9th grade general science textbooks, as revealed by this data sample, indicated no statistically significant change in depth of coverage in Physics and Process of Science over the past 60 years, no significant change in depth of coverage in Earth Science and Biology in the last 40 years, and no significant change in coverage in Chemistry over the last 30 years. Additionally, a total of sixteen new discoveries were found in the textbook sample. For classroom teachers this information may alert them to the necessity of going beyond the textbook in preparing students for life in a global society. In educational practice, this research supports and reinforces the need for inquiry learning and socioscientific curricula. It may also influence educators to challenge assumptions regarding the value and selection of the traditional classic science content. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.] (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10