Examining the scientists in secondary school science textbooks, taking into account the opinions of science teachers

The aim of this research is to analyze the scientists in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade science textbooks by taking into account the views of science teachers. In this research, qualitative research method and holistic multiple case study design were used. In the first stage of the research, the names, genders, origins, physical characteristics, working environments, working methods and life stories of the scientists included in the secondary school science textbooks approved by the Ministry of National Education in the 2019-2020 academic year and published in the educational information network (EBA). In the second stage of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted to reveal the views of science teachers about scientists in science textbooks. The sample of the study consists of 20 science teachers working in 10 secondary schools in the central districts of Düzce. At the end of the study, it was found that the majority of the scientists included in the science textbooks at more than one grade level were male, of Western origin and had stereotypical images of scientists. In addition, it has been observed that the rate of including the working environment, working method and life stories of scientists is very low. Science teachers stated that the source of the image of scientist among students is science textbooks and that science textbooks mostly include scientists of Western origin. In addition, it was seen that the analysis of science textbooks and the views of teachers were compatible with the scientists stating that their working methods, life stories and remarkable information were not included at a sufficient level. With the contributions of science teachers, various suggestions have been made regarding the way scientists are included in science textbooks. Keywords: Textbook, Science, Teacher views, Scientist