The impact of increased nonfiction reading on student achievement in science

Abstract

The purpose of this action research project was to study the effects adding increased amounts of science related nonfiction reading had on student achievement in science. How did the increased exposure to nonfiction reading affect students' attitudes towards science and students' attitudes towards reading nonfiction? After students were given opportunities to read nonfiction books related to the topics of study in science class, data was collected and analyzed to determine if increasing nonfiction reading opportunities improved students' posttest scores or changed students' thoughts regarding nonfiction reading. After this short study, posttest scores indicated the additional nonfiction reading did not improve student content knowledge. The data did show however, an increase in the number of students that choose to read nonfiction books. Results of this action research project also indicated students thought reading nonfiction sources was important to gain knowledge and understanding of science topics.