To help students understand cultural differences, a seventh-grade social studies teacher devised a unit on ethnocentrism among the Iroquois Indians and on textbook bias toward ethnic groups in general and toward the Iroquois in particular. Six textbook excerpts are presented and activities based on the excerpts are suggested. (DB)

Discussed is the importance of valence bond theory on the quantum-mechanical theory of chemical structure and the nature of the chemical bond. Described briefly are early VB theory, development of VB theory, modern versions, solid-state applications, models, treatment in textbooks, and flaws in criticisms of valence bond theory. (KR)

Indicates and describes items that are incorrect in textbooks and a teacher edition of Discover SCIENCE for K-6. (YP)

Analyzes high school economics textbooks through an examination of the questions that textbooks traditionally address about economic production: What, how much, and how will something be produced, and who gets the product? Considers teachers' relationships to economic textbooks and courses. Concludes that textbooks should be more relevant to…

Stating that the primary function of textbooks is to transmit quantity and quality of knowledge, Woodward argues that photographs and other design features should be relevant to the topic, extending learning beyond the written text. Presents recommendations for evaluating the instructional quality of textbook photographs. (GEA)

Five series of mathematics textbooks for grades seven and eight were examined to see the kinds, amounts, uses, and suggestions for writing included. Few writing activities and very few longer writing tasks were found. (MNS)

Describes content of 50 introductory sociology textbooks in their coverage of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. Reports that, although by 1987 HIV was covered in 26 texts, many aspects were neglected. Concludes teachers should concentrate on slighted areas including the difference between…

Discusses five history textbooks commonly used in schools and homes in the United States prior to the Civil War. Describes the style, reading level, and content of the books. Concludes that the books promoted a sense of nationalism related to the political development and ideals of the United States at that time. (CFR)

This report contends that most U.S. history and government textbooks give only cursory attention to the Second Amendment "...the right of the people to keep and bear arms..." to the U.S. Constitution, and most endorse a particular political view of the amendment, rather than providing the necessary background for an informed political…

In the "real" world of writing, people make writing decisions based in part on their analyses of audience expectations and their own purposes. Yet, composition teachers at all levels assign general or abstract topics for essays rather than create writing tasks that require students to reflect on target audiences. Even students are aware…

Designed to outline minimum course content for Arizona public schools, this K-12 curriculum guide is divided into 3 sections covering philosophy, goals, and scope and sequence. The stated philosophy emphasizes appreciation of history and culture, skill in acquiring and validating knowledge, critical thinking, and appreciation of…

The Texas Education Agency has developed this guide to assist members of local textbook committees who are responsible for studying and selecting textbooks and learning systems for use in Texas school districts. The State Board of Education has approved all the listed textbooks, but it does not recommend specific books. Rather, general criteria…

Reports on a study designed to investigate possible patterned differences in the content of science textbooks and its functional/dysfunctional role in socialization for scientific careers. Discusses instrument development and rationale and presents results comparing use of textbooks in middle-class and working class districts. (ML)

This study examined role models presented in primary-, fourth-, and seventh-grade basal readers and across basal series. Findings conclude that since children are influenced by models, basal authors should include role models who read and write frequently, with pleasure and variety. Teachers should provide live modeling or point out basal role…

Reports on a content analysis of 14 textbooks on endocrinology. Using thyrotoxicosis as the content maker, the study indicated major differences between books with regard to the information provided and the number of words devoted to the subject. Suggests that medical teachers selecting textbooks be aware of such differences. (TW)