The authors describe a model for embedding science communication into the science curriculum without displacing science content. They describe the rationale, development, design, and implementation of two courses taught by science faculty addressing these criteria. They also outline the evaluation plan for these courses, which emphasize broad…

The science curriculum to age 16 should be judged on how well it meets the needs of students who progress to A-level science courses and those (a larger number) who do not. To address the diversity of students' interests and aspirations, we need a clear view of the purposes of science education rooted in a view of the purposes of education itself.…

This paper reflects upon the development of a multidisciplinary lesson plan aimed at developing science skills for Physics and Astronomy, Geographical and Earth Sciences, and Chemistry students at a research intensive Scottish university. The lesson plan was co-developed with a small group of staff and undergraduate students from these…

The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at Notre Dame University--Louaize, conscious to the need of experts in the emerging field of sustainability and to the role that an educational institution plays for the service of the community, introduced into the university curricula a major in environmental science. This paper will present the…

We present the most recent steps undertaken to reform the introductory algebra-based course at The George Washington University. The reform sought to help students improve their problem-solving performance. Our pedagogy relies on didactic constructs such as the" GW-ACCESS problem-solving protocol," "instructional sequences" and…

This article considers the extent to which the English National Curriculum for science has influenced practice and learning outcomes, and briefly reviews the mechanisms through which this influence is exerted. It identifies and discusses three central issues for the review that is now in progress: the structure of the science curriculum; the…

This article describes the content of a high school forensic science course. Discusses the definition of forensic science; how the course was started; the course strategy; invited speakers' and the use of mock crime scenes. Provides a sample outline of seven forensic science units. (LZ)

This article discusses a systematic approach to designing significant learning experiences, often referred to as the "backward design process," which has been popularized by Wiggins and McTighe (1998) and is included as a central feature of L. Dee Fink's model for integrated course design (Fink, 2003). The process is referred to as backward…

Future science curricula should recognize the interaction of science, technology, and society and should give students the skills for learning and applying scientific knowledge, an awareness of ethics and values in science, and a future perspective. The organization of science courses should vary with the type of learning desired. (Author/RW)

Suggests: (1) a "coherent" approach featuring mutual reinforcement, unifying themes, the easy incorporation of seemingly isolated facts, and growing powers of predictability: (2) incorporation of current research findings; and (3) special topics, in addition to basics. Suggests "Account of Chemical Research" as a source for…

Develops a course which would give students a chance to think critically, be exposed to recent developments including applications to other fields, and be exposed to the general field of the philosophy of science. Provides a course outline, required and referenced textbooks, and selected journal articles. (YP)

Describes a course focusing on applied catalysis for helping students prepare for careers in a chemical or petroleum industry. Provides a course outline and suggested topics for term papers. (YP)

Describes a nontraditional, integrated science offering, the goal of which was to use acknowledged benchmarks for a transformed curriculum. Includes content outline, laboratory topics, teaching principles, student expectations, relevance of the discipline, and assessment. Specific suggestions for the transition include providing written materials…

Describes general and specific didactic profiles of engineering courseware for evaluating a curriculum. To carry out a diagnosis of written material, the two profiles and a complexity facet were prepared. Provides a model in the self-instructional course, Digital System. (YP)

Discusses a "process control" course in undergraduate chemical engineering. Describes current practices and philosophy and an outline for a course to be taught in the future. Appended are summaries of 12 participants' discussion. (YP)