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Thesis ID: CBB001560893

A Comparative Study of Six Decades of General Science Textbooks: Evaluating the Evolution of Science Content (2008)

University of South Florida
Zeidler, Dana L.

Publication Date: 2008
Edition Details: Advisor: Zeidler, Dana L.
Physical Details: 252 pp.
Language: English

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Academia.edu

Textbooks Data analysis Physics Earth sciences Science Science education and teaching Chemistry Biology 20th century, late 21st century United States

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.

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Description Explores five subject areas---chemistry, physics, earth science, biology, and process of science---in 8th- and 9th-grade American general science textbooks from about 1950 to the present. Cited in ProQuest Diss. & Thes. . ProQuest Doc. ID 304460427.

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https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB001560893/

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