Reading Science

Reading the average science textbook, one is struck with a question: Why would people devote their lives to the study of a subject as dry as the Sahara Desert? Students in science classes only need to be let in on the great secret of science. It is fun and full of the stuff in page-turner novels--intrigue, mystery, romance, and sometimes just dumb luck. In particular, a teacher who reads nonfiction can share his or her excitement with students and even get them to read something that has some real excitement to it because it really happened! Teachers can help students realize that one reads nonfiction and fiction differently. This alone will help students enjoy the wonder of nonfiction to a greater degree. With any luck (and a little freedom) students may pursue the topic of a nonfiction book and actually become a student researcher. This article describes numerous ways non-fiction books can be worked into a science class curriculum. An extensive list of recommended readings concludes the article.