Developing Scientific Literacy Through Children's Informational Texts: A Global Perspective

• In Event: 16.056 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.056-11 - Text(s) Matter(s): How Text Choices Can Broaden or Constrain Student Learning

Abstract

Research is needed which examines the social purposes of scientific informational texts for children originating from different countries. While much is known about the cultural components of narrative for children (Martinez-Roldan, 2003; Nieto, 2002), little is known about scientific informational texts from countries outside the United States. This paper will discuss an analysis of 15 scientific informational texts for children originating from Japan, France, and the United States using literary analysis, critical content analysis and social semiotics. The purpose of this qualitative study is to determine what patterns can be found in scientific informational texts from three countries.

Authors

• Keri-Anne Croce, Towson University

• Lucy K. Spence, University of South Carolina