Reading for Science: The use of scientific literary materials in primary schools

Lewis, Fay; Edmonds, Juliet; Carter, Jane; Alston, Ann; Sargeant, Stephanie

Abstract

Scientific literary materials (SLMs) present science content in genres such as narratives and poems as well as traditional non-fiction genres. SLMs have the potential to engage children and teachers who are non-science enthusiasts or specialists with science content and could address many of the current issues with science education. However, little is known about their use. This paper uses a mixed-method approach to analyse how SLMs are employed as tools for teaching and learning about science and their role within English lessons.
Findings demonstrated that whilst SLMs are available in schools these are narrow in range and genre. They are used for factual research and are rarely read for pleasure. They are also not exploited as a pedagogical tool within English lessons. A range of barriers to their effective use were identified.
We conclude that if we are to encourage teachers to use SLMs as a technique for engaging a wider audience with science they must be helped to adopt them more widely in the classroom and curriculum. This paper presents a range of recommendations as to how teachers can be supported with a wider range of resources and materials so that they can draw more effectively on SLMs.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: NARST 2024 Science Education for the rest of us
• Start Date: Mar 17, 2024
• End Date: Mar 20, 2024
• Deposit Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 3, 2024
• Keywords: Science literacy, reading, science education
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11847012