Description

Nature of Science Portrayals in Historical Accounts within a Sample of Canadian Biology Textbooks. M.A. thesis, University of Toronto.
ABSTRACT

The nature of science portrayed in history of science narratives/vignettes within biology textbooks were analyzed to examine the nature of science portrayed in history of science narratives/vignettes within them. This was carried out through a qualitative analysis and content analysis of topics within fourteen secondary school biology textbooks used in Canadian high schools covering a majority of Canadian jurisdictions. Criteria for inclusion in this study were based on the recommendation of the various provincial ministries of education. Provincially approved or authorized list of resources for use in the classroom or recommended resources were consulted and a list of textbooks was derived. Qualitative analysis and content analysis indicated a heroic, ideal and rationalist and realist view of the nature of science within historical vignettes.
Recommendations for more authentic nature of science are discussed.