Social and cultural embeddedness of science in middle and high school textbooks across the middle east and the United States of America

Sahar Alameh, Saouma BouJaoude, Kent Navalesi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter investigates how the social dimensions and social/cultural embeddedness of science are portrayed in middle and high school physics and biology textbooks across diverse societal and cultural contexts, specifically from the USA, Jordan, Oman, and Lebanon. Using a structured document analysis approach, sixteen textbooks- four from each country-were analyzed to assess the extent and manner in which these two aspects of the Nature of Science (NOS) are represented. Findings reveal that the social and cultural aspects of science are generally underrepresented, with these themes often presented through isolated examples rather than being integrated as central themes throughout the textbooks. The chapter underscores the need for a comprehensive inclusion of social and cultural dimensions in science education materials to more accurately reflect the Nature of Science, thus supporting informed and culturally competent scientific understanding in diverse educational contexts.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCross-Cultural Comparisons of Science Education
Pages207-253
Number of pages47
ISBN (Electronic)9798369357453
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 25 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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