Scientific Concepts in Picture and Trade Books

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: Books and Literacy in Science Education (Table 8)

Abstract

The scientific concepts incorporated in science-themed picture books suggested for elementary classrooms were analyzed in this study. A deductive content analysis identified the alignment of scientific concepts to the Next Generation Science Standards Disciplinary Core Ideas (NGSS DCI). The sample (n=77) was selected from three booklists: NSTA Best STEM Books, Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, and AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize. The results revealed the majority of books were aligned to the NGSS DCI for K-5th grade. The preponderance of books incorporated life science concepts, while only one book incorporated physical science concepts. The study was limited and excluded books’ readability, scientific vocabulary, and images. This study contributes to the research on the intersection between elementary science and reading.

Author

• Kelly Marie Shepard, Chicago Public Schools
  Presenting Author