Guest Blog: Text sets part 2 - Science

We are delighted to welcome Trisha Templeton, Teacher Librarian at Daramalan College, for this series discussing text sets. Part one of this series discussed text sets, the theory behind, benefits, and impact of using text sets. This blog demonstrates the benefits of using text sets in science and provides examples with learning outcomes.

Text sets have immense capacity to support literacy development and multiliteracies whilst meeting curriculum learning outcomes. By giving students specifically curated text extracts from a variety of sources and modalities, they are able to construct knowledge, as well as develop literacy and language in a social context.

Text sets in the science classroom

The use of text sets in science classrooms has significant benefits for teaching and learning (Manie, Mabin & Liebenberg, 2018, p.389). Science textbooks often contain information at a superficial level and their format does not take into concern the developmental age of students (Lewis & Strong, 2020, p. 43). Their information overloaded pages often overwhelm low ability students, and the lack of varied viewpoints minimise opportunities for critical thinking (Lewis & Strong, 2020).

The inclusion of text sets in classroom practice provides the students with a range of viewpoints and experiences, as well as engaging disinterested students, developing critical thinking, connecting students to the curriculum, and improving disciplinary literacy (Lewis & Strong, 2020; Mania, Mabin & Liebenberg (2018).

Critical thinking is increased when literary texts are used because it encourages students to develop empathy, use their imaginations to explore various perspectives, and challenge what is considered normal (Mania, Mabin & Liebenberg, 2018, p.391).

In particular, the use of science fiction text extracts allows teachers to combine storytelling with factual science to increase student engagement with the content, provide information in diverse formats, and encourage students to envisage future scientific possibilities and their effect on society (Mania, Mabin & Liebenberg, 2018, p.391; Creighton, 2014). This is because science fiction highlights the human response and how science and technologies can be used and misused.

The most famous of all these science prophets was Jules Verne who imagined space, underground, and underwater exploration in the mid 1800’s. His fictional journeys to the bottom of the ocean, centre of the earth, and outer space broke social norms and spurred others into creating innovative machines over the past two centuries. Kay (2012) points out that Verne’s scientific calculations in his journey to the moon were only marginally different from the correct calculations of Apollo 11. Whereas, nonfiction narratives such as Shetterly’s Hidden Figures (2016) shows how women can challenge racial and gender stereotypes in STEM courses.

Science text set example: Forces and Motions

Learning Outcomes: Science Stage 5

ACSSU117 - Change to an objects motion is caused by unbalanced forces.
ACSHE120 - Relating regulations about wearing seatbelts or safety equipment in relation to forces and motion.
ACSHE121 - How sports scientists apply knowledge of forces to improve performance.

Online opinion article

Dinh, M. (2013). Bike helmets: an emergency doctor’s perspective. The Conversation. Read article

Non Fiction book

Caswell, D. (2019). Dirt Bikes. Chicago, IL. World Book.

Non fiction book

Dreier, D. (2008). Forces and Motion. Oxford. Heinemann Library.

Online News Article

Cooper, D. (2013). Helmets reduce head injury severity. ABC - News in Science. Read article

Textbook extract

Linstead, G. (2016). Pearson Science 7 Student book.
Pearson Publishing.
Newton’s 3rd Law of motion.

Riding a bike is an example of Newton's third law of motion because the force needed to pedal a bike forward, which is the force that the tire exerts on the ground, is equal to the force of the ground pushing against the tire. The real-world example of riding a bike can also be used to demonstrate Newton's first and second laws of motion.

Science text set example: Space Travel as a Human Endeavour

Learning Outcomes: Stage 6 Science

The universe contains features including galaxies, stars and solar systems, and the Big Bang theory can be used to explain the origin of the universe (ACSSU188)
Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries (ACSHE192)
People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims, explanations or predictions, and advances in science can affect people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities (ACSHE194)
Values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research (ACSHE230)

Non fiction book

Kluger, J. (2018). Apollo 8: the thrilling story of the first mission to the moon. New York. Picador & Henry Holt and Company.

Fiction novel

Verne, J. (1970). From the Earth to the Moon. London. Dent Publishing.

Non Fiction Picture Book

Shetterley, M., & Freeman. L. (2018). Hidden Figures- the true story of four black women and the space race. Harper Collins

Newspaper article - Extract from The Guardian

Russell, N. (April, 9 2021). Revive the US Space program? How about not. The Guardian. Read article

Website

NASA. (2013). Why we explore - human space exploration. Beyond Earth. Read article

Coming soon

Keep an eye out for further blogs in this series where Trisha provides examples of text set usage in English and the Humanities/Social Studies