The California State Board of Education adopted content standards for science and mathematics in 1998 and 1997. These standards were an important factor in the selection of the titles that appear in the recommended list Literature for Science and Mathematics: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. This collection of titles provides a broad range of materials that serve as examples of the kinds of materials that will help students meet California's rigorous content standards.
This list, however, does not constitute an all-inclusive list. The committee reviewed each book with regard to the standards for both science and mathematics. If a direct link was found to a specific science or mathematics standard set, the citation was included. The citation includes the grade level or span, strand or discipline, and the standard set number, if appropriate. For example, the citation 6 Earth Sciences 1 means sixth grade, earth sciences, standard set one. Some books may be connected to both a science and a mathematics standard set.
Literature for Science and Mathematics is a resource to help districts in the selection of supplemental instructional materials. School officials and teachers are encouraged to use this list as an aid in designing their standards-based instructional programs. Selections from this list may be used to instruct or extend students' understanding of a wide range of science and mathematics standards.
The titles in Literature for Science and Mathematics illustrate the quality and complexity of the literature related to science and mathematics. Works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama have been included on this list to accommodate a variety of tastes, interests, and abilities. For children who can read in Spanish, selections written in Spanish or a bilingual combination of Spanish and English are included.
Literature as Part of Science and Mathematics Instruction
Reading and the use of literature are of great benefit beyond the boundaries of the language arts classroom. Teachers can enrich their students' understanding through the integration of quality literature selections into the science and mathematics lessons. Discussions stemming from the literature coupled with hands-on activities can create an atmosphere for inquiry. Whether students read literature independently or it is read to them, students who are engaged with quality texts will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and specific concepts.
