This article advances the prerequisite network as a means to visualize the hidden structure in an academic curriculum. Networks have been used to represent a variety of complex systems ranging from social systems to biochemical pathways and protein interactions. Here, I treat the academic curriculum as a complex system with nodes representing…

The decomposition of water by electricity, and the voltaic pile as a means of generating electricity, have both held an iconic status in the history of science as well as in the history of science teaching. These experiments featured in chemistry and physics textbooks, as well as in classroom teaching, throughout the nineteenth and twentieth…

The 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education was designed to provide up-to-date information and to identify trends in the areas of teacher background and experience, curriculum and instruction, and the availability and use of instructional resources. A total of 7,752 science and mathematics teachers in schools across the United…

The 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education was designed to provide up-to-date information and to identify trends in the areas of teacher background and experience, curriculum and instruction, and the availability and use of instructional resources. A total of 7,752 science and mathematics teachers in schools across the United…

The 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education was designed to provide up-to-date information and to identify trends in the areas of teacher background and experience, curriculum and instruction, and the availability and use of instructional resources. A total of 7,752 science and mathematics teachers in schools across the United…

Describes an introductory undergraduate geology course which investigates geology-related, current topics of wide interest, such as the Bermuda Triangle, UFO's, etc. Purpose of the course is to show students how to sift fact from fiction, exercise basic logic, and critically analyze current writings of popular sensationalists. (SL)

When learning, students yearn for meaning, challenge, and relevance. Integrated learning fulfills these desires by limiting the compartmentalization of learning--providing a more coherent learning environment. Too often, mathematics and the physical sciences are taught as separate entities. Yet, many commonalities exist, especially between…

Presents a review of the high school science and mathematics records of 507 freshmen at the University of Washington in Fall 1976 and their participation in college level science and mathematics courses. (SL)

This article reports the status of an undergraduate course in introductory physics at the University of Ulster and its success over the past 11 years. The original plan, problems, changes, and an assessment of the course are discussed. Lists 11 references. (YP)

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 the spectrum of process design problems. Suggests a methodology for teaching some concepts used in design, including the types of processes considered and their designs, new tools useful in conceptual design, and a strategy for developing conceptual designs. (YP)

In spring 1980, a study was conducted to determine the present level of course activity in community colleges in the areas of science and society, technology and society, environmental studies, the history of science and/or technology, or other science, technology, and society (STS) fields. In addition, the study sought to encourage contact…

Discusses a course proposal which concentrates on fewer topics and covering the topics in greater depth. Proposes a sequence in which each topic is introduced phenomenologically, the theory is developed, and the applications are discussed. Uses optics as an example. Lists some disadvantages and advantages of the proposed topical organization. (YP)

Surveys the current status of environmental engineering education at the undergraduate level in Korea. Proposes guidelines for modifying and strengthening the curricula, along with recommendations for improving the environmental engineering educational system in Korea and other countries. (TW)

Sociology education at two-year colleges is examined as revealed in a study of science education conducted by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges that involved: (1) a review of the literature, (2) an examination of catalogs and class schedules from 175 institutions nationwide, and (3) a survey of 94 sociology instructors. The report…