We add to a growing literature suggesting that demographic grade gaps should be attributed to biases embedded in the courses themselves. Changes in the structure of two different introductory physics classes were made while leaving the topics covered and the level of coverage unchanged. First, a class where conceptual issues were studied before…

Students who engage in undergraduate research experiences acquire many benefits, including an understanding of how scientific knowledge is constructed, recognition that knowledge can be complex and uncertain, and the habit of viewing knowledge critically. This paper describes a first-year two-course sequence that provides multidisciplinary…

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 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)

Too much specialization and premature segregation of pupils into arts and science groups have long been seen as weaknesses in secondary education. This article describes a recent development in the examination of science candidates at 0-level. (Editor)

Discusses a curriculum sequence, comprising a one-year noncalculus physics course followed by an optional one-semester calculus physics course, that satisfies the needs of both science and nonscience students at a two-year college. (MLH)

Describes a senior seminar format designed around broad year-long subjects. This alleviates disconnectedness by building upon material learned weekly. One format highlight is that students choose topics from a list for reading, research, and background preparation to lead a discussion. They also submit research papers on their topic. The new…

Discusses the importance of conveying content material in a course while addressing student learning styles. Directs student study time toward major concepts and encourages them to teach themselves some of the material so that classroom time is largely used to explore more difficult material and applications. Emphasizes instructors focusing on…

A statement relating to science offerings in adult education in Britain is presented by the Science in Further Education Sub-committee of the Association for Science Education. (JR)

Discusses the place of organic chemistry in the secondary school curriculum, and advocates a mechanistic approach to organic chemistry developed in such a way as to be integrated with general chemistry. (JR)

Presents a topical outline for physical chemistry suitable for training both chemistry majors and nonmajors. Suggests that an additional semester beyond the two semester sequence is essential for chemistry majors to achieve the course objectives. (CC)

The study of different phyla in zoology classes can be planned by students themselves. Experiments devised and conducted by students create more interest and ensure a better understanding of animals. (PS)