In all education, regardless of the subject, teachers use teaching materials to impart knowledge. Studies have shown that textbooks are used more often in subjects like science and mathematics than in civics (Skolverket 2015a; 2015b). The purpose of this study is to examine teachers in grades F-9's perspective on the textbook as an instrumental tool in science education from function, purpose and class time as well as teachers' views on the relationship between textbook and curriculum. The study will also shed light on how teachers might be affected in their daily work with the textbook in relation to framework factors. I have, based on the purpose of this study issued following questions: In what way do the teachers describe the function of the textbook in the science classroom?, For what purpose do the teachers choose to use the textbook?, How much of the class time does the students study in their textbooks according to the teachers?, And what are the teachers' views on the textbook in relation to the curriculum?

This study was conducted through a quantitative method, based on a questionnaire answered by 58 authorized science teachers in the primary- and secondary school. The questionnaire was posted on Facebook, in a Facebook group called NO i grundskolan. The results of this study shows that educational book's main function is to serve as a read aloud text that the class reads together and that the primary purpose of using textbooks in teaching is to serve as an inspiration, meant to inspire both students and themselves to create an interesting science education. The results also shows that the majority of teachers choose the textbook in relation to the curriculum and that they show an awareness of the need to complement the textbook in their teaching. It can also not be ignored that classroom design and framework factors such as class composition, time etc. can allow or restrict the activities that are workable in the classroom.