American school science curriculum
& science textbooks get failing grades!

"This study confirms our worst fears about the materials used to educate our children in the critical middle grades," said Dr. George Nelson, Director of Project 2061, an educational reform initiative of the AAAS. "Because textbooks are the backbone of classroom instruction, we must demand improvement so that our students can acquire the knowledge and skills they will need for more advanced learning in high school, college, and the work place."

The in-depth study looked at how well middle school textbooks help students learn key ideas in earth science, life science, and physical science. The books were judged against the AAAS's Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards.

Are your children at risk?

Glencoe Life, Earth, and Physical Science, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1997
Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Science, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, 1995
Middle School Science and Technology, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 1999
Prentice Hall Science, Prentice Hall, 1997
Prime Science, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 1998
Science 2000, Decision Development Corp., 1995
Science Insights, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1997
Science Interactions, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1998
SciencePlus:Technology and Society, Holt, Rinehart 7 Winston, 1997

All of these common middle school science textbooks were rated unsatisfactory. They do not do a good job of teaching science. And it is unlikely that most other textbooks are much better.

You know that a strong science education is becoming more and more important to your children's success, today and in the future. This study makes clear that you can not count on the science textbooks alone to teach your children what they need to know.

What textbooks do wrong

The study showed that there were three main problems with the textbooks.

1) Most texts cover too many topics.

2) The topics are discussed superficially, and not covered in depth.

"Our students are lugging home heavy texts full of disconnected facts that neither educate nor motivate them," said Dr. Nelson. "No matter how `scientifically accurate' a text may be, if it doesn't provide teachers and students with the right kinds of help in understanding and applying important concepts, then it's not doing its job."

You can get help

"Science Made Simple" is a monthly publication that tries to address some of those problems. Here is how it can help:

1) Each issue of Science Made Simple focuses on one topic. It begins with a question children might ask as they notice the changing world around them, for example "Why is the sky blue?" or "What is static electricity?" Starting with a question makes science more interesting and relevant.

2) Science Made Simple then answers that question, simply but in depth. Each issue is written in 3 sections, specifically designed to lead children from simple basic ideas through more complex concepts. By focusing on one topic, children get a more thorough understanding of the subject.

3) Fun, safe, kid-tested projects are included to reinforce the basic science concepts.

What can you do?

2) Take a more active role yourself in educating your children. Provide extra information and activities.

3) Subscribe now to "Science Made Simple", and help give your children the in-depth knowledge they need.

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