SCIENCE TEXT BOOK

 SCIENCE TEXT BOOK

Printed materials being an essential part of science curricula play a vital role in teaching and learning. Text books are the most widely used of all instructional materials. Now a days text book has become a course of study, a set of unit plans and a learning guide as well. A text book is an economical device for teachers and students as it gives direction and saves time and energy. A text book should be really designed for the pupils rather than the teacher. They can help pupils learn how to learn. Therefore, it is important that text books do not prove to be mere suppliers of Information. The text books should stimulate reflective thinking and cultivate in students, the scientific attitude.

Functions of a Science Textbook

1. A good science text book should help to form correct understanding of basic concepts and principles of science.

2. It should inculcate scientific attitude in the pupils and develop an understanding of the scientific method.

3. It should supplement and enrich classroom learning.

4. It should acquaint the pupils with a wide variety of application of scientific knowledge.

5. It should provide for the development and practice of skills.

6. It should give information about the past discoveries and some thrilling experiences made by scientist.

7. It should help pupils in doing home assignments.

8. It should help the pupils for systematic and speedy revision of the lessons they have finished.

 Characteristics of a Good Science Text Book

1. Authorship: Only such persons who have experience of teaching the subject should be allowed to become authors of School Science text books. Such authors can understand actual learning situations. Certain qualifications may also be prescribed for the authors. It will be better if some training is given to them.

2. Mechanical features of the text book: The paper, the binding the print and type of letters should be attractive. The size of the print, spacing, and the length of the lines should correspond to the visual capacity of the pupils so as to facilitate easy reading. The quantity and quality of illustrations need consideration Science text books should be well illustrated with diagrams,  sketches, photographs, etc. Diagrams should be carefully drawn accurate and attractive. Photographs should be clearly reproduced. Illustrations should amplify the material printed on the same page.

3.Subject matter: its nature and organization

· The subject matter should cover the whole syllabus.

· Subject matter should be developed in psychological sequence.

· There should be consistency of subject matter There should be a central theme correlating the content of the text book as a whole.

· The text book has to be organised into units which are based on student interest and probability of use.

·  Inductive approach is to be used wherever possible in introducing new topic

·  Each Unit should begin with an introduction and end with a summary.

·  At the end of each unit there should be assignments conforming to the following

1. application to life situations.

2. self assessment tests.

3. suggestions for experiment and projects Iv. assignments for practising skills

4.  numerical questions, if necessary

5.  suggestions for further reading

· The text book should be written in simple lucid, unambiguous, scientific language. Prefer simple and compound sentences to complex sentences. English equivalents of technical terms should be given in brackets.

· It should contain a glossary of technical terms used in the book.

· It should suggest some good methods of learning.

· Historical development of science should be attempted.

· The social significance of science should be stressed.

· Adequate provision should be made to correlate science with other subjects and craft.

·  It is better if the text book contains examples from the local environment.

· There should be a detailed table of contents and index.

· Controversial topics should be treated impartially.

· Headings and sub-headings should be in bold type.

· Important principles should be set in italics.

· Each text book should be accompanied by a laboratory manual and pupil's work book

·  It must be supplemented by a Teacher's Hand Book.

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