From the dino's perspective : speculative fiction in the science classroom

Abstract

This research project sought to address a concern that middle school students do not read enough to develop scientific literacy. Science fiction is used to enhance the scientific literacy of seventh grade students at White Hill Middle School in Fairfax, California. These students read the speculative fiction novel, Raptor Red, by Bob Bakker, a paleontologist. The novel was woven into existing life science curriculum and was used to highlight both aspects of literature and of science. The self-reported interest in science and in reading was measured and compared before and after the treatment. Students took a Science Interest Survey and the Adolescent Motivation to Read Profile.