The aim of this paper was to give several suggestions for better Korean elementary science textbook by comparing Korean 4th grade second semester science textbook and American McGraw-Hill 4th grade Science textbook. ‘Various plants,’ ‘The state change of water,’ earthquake, ‘Shadow and mirror’ in Korean science textbook and plants, state change, earthquake, light in American science textbook were compared in terms of science terms, science inquiry abilities, science inquiry activities and overall textbook composition and contents. The results of this study were as follows. The level of science terms and science inquiry abilities in Korean elementary 4th grade science textbook was lower than the level in American science textbook. The number of science inquiry activities in Korean elementary textbook was more than American science activities. Korean elementary science textbook was composed of science hands-on activities mainly with some reading materials but American elementary science textbook was composed of reading materials explaining science terms mainly and some science hands-on activities. Korean elementary science textbook must include more reading materials of science basic concepts. Details of science experimental procedures in Korean science textbook may move to ‘Experiment and Observation’ sub-textbook. The guide of textbook unit usage and organization may move to teacher’s guide. The levels of science terms and science inquiry abilities may be higher in Korean elementary science textbook.
I. 서론
II. 연구방법
III. 연구결과
IV. 결론