This document discusses the qualities of effective science textbooks, supplementary reading materials, workbooks, and teacher handbooks. It notes that science textbooks should help students understand concepts and principles, develop scientific thinking, and supplement classroom learning. Good textbooks are written clearly and cover the entire syllabus, while workbooks provide exercises and assignments to reinforce learning. Supplementary books enrich student knowledge and stimulate further reading if they develop interest, encourage critical thinking, and have lasting value. Teacher handbooks equip instructors with teaching strategies, objectives, and reference materials to effectively guide science instruction.

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TEXT BOOKS
SUBMITTED TO
Miss. SUSHAMA PRABHA
Lecturer InNatural Science
SUBMITTED BY
SAJEENA . A
Natural Science
SUBMITTED ON
25th
July, 2015.

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INDEX
Sl. No. Contents Page No.
I
II
III
IV
a)
1.
2.
b)
c)
V
VI
Introduction
Qualities of a good science text
Book
Characteristics of a good Science text
Book
Supplementary science reading
Criteria for selecting
Supplementary science books
Effect on the student
Qualities of the book
Pupil’s work book
Teacher’s handbook
Conclusion
References
3
4
5-6
7
7-8
9
10
11
11

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INTRODUCTION
Printed materials they being an essential part of curricula play a
vital role in teaching and learning. Text books are the most widely used of all
instructional materials. A text book is an economical device for teachers and
students as it gives direction and saves time and energy. A text book should
really design for the pupils rather than the teacher. They can help pupils learn
how to learn. Therefore it is important that text books do not prove to be
mere suppliers of information. The text book should stimulate reflective
thinking and cultivate in students, the scientific attitude.
A good science text book should help to form correct
understanding of basic concepts and principles of science. It should help the
pupils for systematic and speedy revision of the lessons they have finished. It
should acquaint the pupils with a wide variety of application of scientific
knowledge. It should give information about the past discoveries and some
thrilling experiences made by scientists. It should supplement and enrich class
room learning

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QUALITIES OF GOOD SCIENCE TEXT BOOK
A good science text book should help to form correct understanding of
basic concepts and principles of science. It should inculcate scientific attitude
in the pupils and develop an understanding of the scientific method. A text
book should really design for the pupils rather than the teacher. Text book
should stimulate reflective thinking and cultivate in students the scientific
attitude.
In the teaching-learning process, the text book occupies an important
place. The science text book should aim at aiding the pupils in the
development of their personalities, in developing open mindedness,
developing appreciation and understanding of nature and not merely stuffing
their mind with facts.
A good science text book should help the pupils for systematic and
speedy revision of the lessons they have finished. It should provide for the
development and practice of skills. The subject matter should cover the whole
syllabus. It should inculcate scientific attitude in the pupils and develop and
understanding of the scientific method.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SCIENCE TEXT BOOK
AUTHORSHIP
Only such persons who have experienced of teaching the subject should be
allowed to become authors of School Science text books. Such authors can understand
actual learning situations. Certain qualifications may also be prescribed for the authors.
MECHANICAL FEATURES OF THE TEXT BOOK
The paper, the binding, the print and type of letters should be attractive. The size
of the print, spacing, and the length of the lines should correspond to the visual capacity
of the pupils so as to facilitate easy reading. Science text books should be well illustrated
with diagrams, sketches, photographs, etc.
THE SUBJECT MATTER – ITS NATURE AND ORGANIZATION
1. The subject matter should cover the whole syllabus.
2. Subject matter should be developed in psychological sequence.
3. There should be consistency of subject matter.
4. There should be a central theme correlating the content of the textbook
as a whole.
5. The text book has to be organized in to units which are based on student
interest and probability of use.
6. Inductive approach is to be used wherever possible in introducing new
topic.
7. Each unit should begin with an introduction and end with a summary.

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8. The text book should be written in simple lucid, unambiguous, scientific
language.
9. It should contain a glossary of technical terms used in the book.
10. It should suggest some good methods of learning.
11. Historical development of science should be attempted.
12. The social significance of science should be stressed.
13. Adequate provision should be made to correlate science with other
subjects and craft.
14. It is better if the text book contains examples from the local Environment.
15. There should be a detailed table of contents and index.
16. Controversial topics should be treated impartially.
17. Headings and sub – headings should be in bold type.
18. Important principles should be set in italics.
19. Each text book should be accompanied by a laboratory manual and
pupil’s work book.
20. It must be supplemented by a Teacher’s Hand Book.

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SUPPLEMENTARY SCIENCE READING
The reading of best available books and journals is vital for the total
development of students. There is a close relationship between student
activity in science club, field trips, science fair, etc. and reading of extra books
and journals. Reading extra books in science helps the students to develop
their maximum potential, enrich their scholarship, deepen their interests and
to understand science broader perspective. Reading supplementary materials
is a good method of introducing students to new materials. These may serve
as a basis for creativity.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING SUPPLEMENTARY SCIENCE BOOKS
1. Effect on the student
a. It encourages thinking and discussion.
b. It develops interest in applied aspects of science.
c. It stimulates further reading.
d. It helps to articulate and elucidate scientific concepts and
principles.
e. It suggests further problems.
f. It gives insights in to social implications and contributions of
Science

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2. Qualities of the book
a. It is accurate and authoritative.
b. It is fair and sincere in its presentation of controversial subject
matter.
c. Its enrichment material goes beyond that of secondary text
books.
d. It has good literary standard - clear style, grammatically correct,
easy to read.
e. Its general theme and tone are wholesome
f. It is a book of lasting value – one worth owning and going back to

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PUPIL’S WORK BOOK
Science work book is an adjunct to science text book. For effective
learning pupils should have opportunities for practicing what they have
learned. Pupil’s work book, in fact a practice material for pupils, the content
of which is arranged in the order of the text book on which it is based. A
work book contains summary of each chapter of the text book, exercises of
different kinds, key to exercises and suggestions for practical’s, assignments
and improvisation.
ADVANTAGES
1. Workbook supplements classroom learning.
2. It promotes self learning and self assessment.
3. It provides for working out different types of assignments.
4. It gives practice of classroom learning and thereby reinforces
learning.
5. It promotes scientific thinking.

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TEACHER’S HAND BOOK
Teacher’s hand book is an excellent reference material for teachers
for effective science teaching. In our state, it is prepared by the SCERT along
with text books prepared by them. It contains summaries of chapters in the
science text books, conceptual development of each topic, list of
instructional objectives and specifications, explanation of significant
technical terms, learning activities, precautions to be taken while attempting
demonstration, teaching aids to be used, assignments of various kinds
evaluation tools, co-curricular activities that can be organized, seminars,
projects, etc. to be organized and suggested references for teachers and
pupils. In short, teachers hand book is a resource material for teachers.
ADVANTAGES
1. It provides suitable learning experiences for different instructional
situations.
2. It equips the teacher with sufficient theoretical knowledge and
practical suggestions of what is to be taught.
3. It helps teachers to adopt appropriate methods and approaches
of teaching.
4. It helps the teacher prepare various instructional materials.

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CONCLUSION
Text books are the most widely used of all instructional materials. Now a
days text book has become a course of study, a set of unit plans and a
learning guide as well. A text book is an economical device for teachers and
students as it gives direction and saves time and energy. A good science text
book should help to form correct understanding of basic concepts and
principles of science. The text book should be written in simple lucid,
unambiguous, scientific language. Prefer simple and compound sentences to
complex sentences. The reading of best available books and journals is vital
for the total development of students. A work book contains summary of
each chapter of the text book, exercises suggestions and assignments.
Teachers hand book is an excellent reference material for teachers for
effective science teaching. A text book should really designed for the pupils
rather than the teachers.
REFERENCES
1. Science Education Dr.K.Sivarajan
2. www.prersvearticles.com.