WOMEN SCIENTISTS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TEXTBOOKS IN TURKEY

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the amount of inclusion of woman scientists in the textbooks prepared in accordance with the 2004 Science and Technology Curriculum in Turkey. The study is a descriptive field study since it proposes an assessment of the situation. In the study, document analysis was conducted. The 4th to 8th grade textbooks were analysed. It was identified that, despite the aim to include men and women who contributed to science in the science and technology curriculum, the textbooks do not reflect this sufficiently. In the textbooks, even though a total of 78 different scientists are mentioned, only two of these are women. It is important to include women scientists in science textbooks for girls to be able to find the role models they need when choosing a career Therefore, women scientists who contributed to science should be included in textbooks and this must be reinforced with one-to-one activities. In addition, it is important that teachers be sensitive and informed on this issue.