Science Teaching Series

Internet Resources

I. Developing Scientific Literacy

II. Developing Scientific Reasoning

III. Developing Scientific Understanding

IV. Developing Scientific Problem Solving

V. Developing Scientific Research Skills

VI. Resources for Teaching Science

Factors to consider when adopting textbooks

TEACHERS EDTION
Sample from Merrill Chemistry (pdf of teacher's wrap-around version)


CONTENT
Content is up to date
Content is scientifically accurate
Content matches your district or school framework
Historical background
Science, Technology & Society
Unit Objective clearly stated
Relevant


READABILITY
Readability index
Glossary
New terms defined
Root words explained


INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH
Inductive, inquiry oriented?
Material presented at a variety of cognitive levels
Questions at a variety of cognitive levels
Suggested Activities for further study


ORGANIZATION
Advanced Organizers
Logical curricular sequence
Material well organized
Easy to outline
Well indexed and cross-referenced


ILLUSTRATIONS

Good quality photographs
Photographs not “dated”
Illustrations allied with text
Clear, unambiguous line diagrams
Graphs
Tables


ANCILLARY MATERIAL

Laboratory book
Labs are appropriate for students and facilities
Labs stress investigation rather than cookbook
Lab activities correlate with text
Supply lists
Teacher edition for laboratory manual
Test Bank
Computer software and data file
Test questions at a variety of cognitive levels
Overheads
Software
Workbook
Copyright privileges?
Teacher Guide
Useful teacher annotations
Solutions to problems explained