Magnetic Vaccines and Changing the Earth's Orbit: Combating Misinformation With Science and Literacy

• In Event: Science Education and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Combatting the science misinformation rampant in American society must begin by developing both science literacy and scientific literacy in children. One strategy for developing these skills is through science trade books. This study examined books from the annual Outstanding Science Trade Books List to determine if they have the potential to support science/scientific literacy. Major findings are that of the books examined, most are single-subject focused, do not actively engage readers, and do not make connections to the nature of science. This study demonstrates that science trade books are not uniform in their qualities, and teachers may want to look more deeply into a science trade book before utilizing it, particularly if we wish to support a science/scientifically literate populace.

Authors

• Katherine Landau Wright, Boise State University

• Tracey S. Hodges, The Empowering Advocate LLC

• Julianne A. Wenner, Clemson University