Evaluation of the Alignment of Chemistry Content in Elementary Science Textbooks with Environmental Education Standards and National Curriculum Objectives: A Shannon Entropy Approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original research

Authors

1 Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, PO Box 889-14665, Tehran, Iran

2 Curriculum Studies Department, Educational Research Major, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 PhD student in Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In this study, the alignment of chemistry content in elementary science textbooks with environmental education standards and the objectives of the national curriculum was examined. Key components of environmental education were identified through a systematic review of relevant scholarly sources particularly the national curriculum document which also served as the basis for the analysis. Methods: The present study was conducted using qualitative content analysis with a quantitative approach. Shannon entropy was employed as a scientific tool to assess the distribution and significance of concepts, and data analysis was performed using R software (version 4.5.0). The statistical population of this study encompassed all elementary science textbooks, from which the chemistry sections were selected as the research sample to analyze their alignment with environmental education standards and the objectives of the national curriculum. Data were collected using a researcher-designed checklist. To enhance the reliability of the findings, self-review and expert judgment from educational sciences specialists were also employed. Findings: The findings of the study indicated that within the chemistry content of elementary science textbooks, the ‘water’ component had the highest importance coefficient (0.386), while the ‘air’ component had the lowest importance coefficient (0.257). Conclusion: The results suggest that revising and improving the chemistry content of elementary science textbooks, with an emphasis on balancing the distribution of environmental components, can contribute to fostering more responsible attitudes and behavior among students regarding environmental conservation.

Keywords

Research in Chemistry Education

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 December 2025

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