In the Italian education system, secondary students (ages 14-19) are confronted with the foundations of quantum physics during the final term of scientific high school (pre-university year). The Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (acronym MIUR) has remarked its importance in the syllabus to address the high school exit…

This paper proposes an optional syllabus for the students in the XIIth grade. The proposed theme analyzes the concept of "variable mass" both in terms of classical mechanics and relativistic mechanics. In terms of classical mechanics we refer to the slow motion of a body, whose mass ranges in ascending way (by annealing a mass particle…

Revision can be a rather dull part of the academic year, especially if it means the wholesale revisiting of the syllabus using the same old notes. This article presents an attempt at using the "biography" of an element to give an alternative framework for recapping some of the key concepts in a typical A-level chemistry syllabus. It does…

Arguments about the content and structure of the curriculum for 14- to 18-year-old students in England continue apace, not least as a consequence of the National Curriculum review and proposed changes to qualifications. However, the majority of initiatives aimed at providing high-quality and rigorous technical pathways from age 14 onwards have…

This paper is aimed at elucidating the current state of inquiry-based science education (IBSE) in Zambia's high school science curriculum. Therefore, we investigated Zambian teachers' conceptions of inquiry; determined inquiry levels in the national high school science curriculum materials, which include syllabi, textbooks and practical exams; and…

The processes of developing and the results of testing a master's degree program designed to increase the number and quality of secondary-level earth science teachers are described in this paper. The master's program is intended to serve practicing secondary-level science and math teachers who lack subject-area endorsement in earth science. There…

Mineral Process Chemistry is one of the special study options of the Nuffield Advanced Science course in chemistry. Following general comments on mineral process chemistry, the subject matter of the option is described, focusing on copper and china clay. (Author/JN)

Suggests a new approach for teaching secondary school quantum physics. Reviews traditional approaches and presents some characteristics of the three-part "Quantum Physics for Beginners" project, including: quantum physics, quantum mechanics, and a short historical survey. (SK)

Describes a high school chemistry course for students going to vocational institutes, community colleges, or allied health areas. Includes course outline and rationale for the course. (SK)

Described is the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) project in Great Britain. The project is investigating the possiblilty of accelerating the rate at which secondary pupils' logical thinking develops by using the science curriculum. A pilot project and parts of the curriculum are discussed. (RH)

Describes a chemistry course designed, in cooperation with local public school districts, to intellectually challenge a group of 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students. Organic chemistry and biochemistry are integrated into the course (titled Chemistry and Everyday Life) to emphasize practical applications of chemistry. The course syllabus is included.…

Describes a unit on macromolecules that has been used in the 12th grade of many Israeli secondary schools. Topic areas in the unit include synthetic polymers, biological macromolecules, and nucleic acids. A unit outline is provided in an appendix. (JN)

Presents a syllabus indicating the essential physics content suggested for all students aged 11-16. Major topic areas include matter, energy, interactions, electronics, and physical quantities. Includes commentary on treatment for low ability students and on additional content related to General Certificate of Education (GCE) and Certificate of…

Describes an eight-module, high school chemistry curriculum (including outline of course content) which encourages students to envision chemistry as a science based on general, related concepts rather than on a discipline composed of segmented, isolated topics. Module 1 objectives, assignments, laboratory experiences, and test are available from…

Describes a course designed to provide secondary school science teachers with the background necessary to implement an effective safety program for their science labs. Lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, slides, films, videotapes, and guest speakers were utilized in the two-credit hour, summer course. Evaluations indicated course…