Developing Visual Literacy in Science, K-8

More than 50 percent of science lessons in todays elementary textbooks use visual information to help demonstrate concepts. WithDeveloping Visual Learning in Science, K8, educators can help their students develop skills in interpreting photographs, charts, diagrams, figures, labels, and graphic symbols. These skills are called visual literacy skills. Visual literacy in science is especially relevant for students who pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. In addition, a growing body of research concludes that visual literacy is critical for all citizens to communicate in our highly complex world. The authors, who are experienced science educators, provide teachers with a developmental path to move learnersand even the teachers themselveson the road to successfully making meaning from visual texts.