Reports results of a survey on the treatment of industrial organic chemistry in 12 current textbooks. Suggests that the topic be integrated into the overall coverage of course material. (JN)

Examines nine science textbooks intended for use in British lower secondary schools from an analytical approach and through an analysis of lesson-units. Finds that the authors were inclined to use practical activities as a vehicle for concept acquisition. Indicates also that science teachers have inadequate notions of a process-based approach. (KO)

Investigated was the mathematical content of 15 college-level physical-geology textbooks published in the period 1980-90. A list of textbooks is provided. Methods, comparisons with other fields of science, and the treatment of specific geological concepts are discussed. (CW)

Examines the reading level and potential comprehension level of 10 fourth-grade science textbooks. Reports that there is a great deal of variability between and within the science texts. (YP)

Elementary and junior high school science textbooks were analyzed for the presence of prerequisite topics on evolution (protoconcepts). Results indicated that coverage of evolutionary protoconcepts varies considerably among published textbooks. Recommendations for teacher analysis of textbooks are provided. (ZWH)

Six sixth-grade science textbooks were examined for conceptual structure and readability. Hierarchical concept maps were composed on text segments for chosen topics and maps were scored. Reading analyses were also computed. Two trends were visually but not statistically evident. The Fry readability scores were higher than sixth grade, but no…

Reprints a biology textbook review that the author asserts to be representative of a review for most biology textbooks. Critiques the role of biology textbooks in the biology curriculum. (MDH)

Advocates removing the taboo regarding anthropomorphism and teleology in biology education. Argues that for high school students, accepting such formulations does not necessarily imply anthropomorphic or teleological reasoning. Further, living organisms seem goal-oriented because of their adaptation for survival. Concludes with the argument that…

Analyzes the ways some school science textbooks for 14-16 year-olds were used in Great Britain to portray the topic of human sexuality. Examines 15 books that vary greatly in their approach to the topic. Contains 30 references. (DDR)

Presented are critical reviews of 18 biology textbooks submitted for consideration by the Texas State Board of Education during 1984. These reviews are provided in three categories: (1) general biology textbooks: "Biology and Human Progress"--Prentice Hall; "Scott, Foresman Life Science"--Scott, Foresman; "Living Things"--Holt, Rinehart, and…

Discusses the reactivity of aryl halides with nucleophilic or basic reagents, including nucleophilic attacks on carbon, hydrogen, halogen, and arynes. Suggestions are made concerning revisions of the sections on aryl halide chemistry courses and the corresponding chapters in textbooks. (CC)

Investigated was the compatibility between the intellectual abilities of students and the level of intellectual operations required by secondary level physics textbooks. Student intellectual levels were determined for 949 tenth-, eleventh-, and twelfth-grade students by administration of Piagetian tasks. Major concepts presented in physics…

This examination of textbooks shows the very wide range of approaches adopted. Aims, content, and methods of presentation are compared. The uses of questions in the books are examined in detail. The characteristics of the books are related to the variety of approaches to the teaching of biology in schools. (Author/MA)

Reports the results of an investigation of sex stereotyping in 17 high school chemistry textbooks. Results indicate definite sex bias in all books reviewed with a greater portrayal of male roles and activities. (SL)

Reports results of an investigation of science content of 10 recently published elementary science textbook series. Results show that though textbooks cover a wide range of science content, they do not promote or encourage the development of scientific thinking or attitudes, nor do they engage students in applying cognitive processes that are…