An Analysis of Comprehension Strategies and Visuals Within Grade 6–8 Science Textbooks in the United States

This study analyzed the comprehension strategies and visuals in two science textbook series for grades 6, 7, and 8 as means of better understanding a core element of the ecological component of science literacy. The iScience [Biggs et al. in iScience (Grade 6), McGraw-Hill, 2015a, iScience (Grade 7), McGraw-Hill, 2015b, iScience (Grade 7), McGraw-Hill, 2015c)] and Interactive Science [Buckley et al. in Interactive Science (Grade 6), vol 1, Pearson, 2015a, Interactive Science (Grade 6), vol 2, Pearson, 2015b, Interactive Science (Grade 7), vol 1, Pearson, 2015c, Interactive Science (Grade 7), vol 2, Pearson, 2015d, Interactive Science (Grade 8), vol 1, Pearson, 2015e, Interactive Science (Grade 8), vol 2, Pearson, 2015f] textbook series were analyzed for the frequency of comprehension strategies used in during-reading activities as well as the explicit references of visuals and the level of visual captions. Analysis revealed comprehension monitoring, graphic organizers, and question answering were the most frequently used comprehension strategies. Although the numbers, do not highlight the lack of instruction in those strategies. Further, most visuals were explicitly referenced and had descriptive captions. Findings from this study point to the need for science educators to critically examine how comprehension and visuals instruction are included in the textbooks they use in their classrooms.