Investigation of misconceptions in biology topics in 6th, 7th and 8th grade science textbooks and smart notebooks

This study aims to identify the content in middle school science textbooks for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, as well as in smart notebooks used as supplementary materials, that may lead to misconceptions in biology topics. Within this scope, visuals, diagrams, textual content, assessment-evaluation questions, and the use of analogy techniques related to biology topics in these textbooks and smart notebooks were examined. The study employed document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, and the data were analyzed according to the qualitative research process. The research focused on the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade science textbooks and smart notebooks published in line with the 2018-2019 Science Curriculum. A total of six units were evaluated from both sources: "Body Systems" and "Body Systems and Health" for 6th grade, "Cells and Division" and "Reproduction, Growth, and Development in Living Organisms" for 7th grade, and "DNA and Genetic Code" and "Energy Transformations and Environmental Awareness" for 8th grade. The results of the study revealed that some visuals, diagrams, and textual content in the textbooks and smart notebooks were not realistic or sufficient, potentially causing misconceptions among students. It was concluded that certain visuals were inadequate in terms of suitability for the student level. Furthermore, assessment-evaluation questions on biology topics were found to contain elements that could lead to misconceptions, and revisions in this area were recommended. Additionally, while the analogy technique was used in textbooks and smart notebooks, it was observed that the differences between the compared elements were not sufficiently explained."