An introductory physics course may be run like a video game, where students have an almost unlimited number of attempts to demonstrate their competencies through a sequence of zero-penalty assessments until the end of a semester. Each checkpoint is conducted as a 10-minute, one-on-one oral interview with the instructor, and students are not…

This study reports on targeted science courses for undergraduate childhood education majors. We describe an inquiry-oriented, three-course sequence spanning physical, life, and environmental science. All three courses are hands-on and are designed to reflect the content and pedagogy most important to future elementary school teachers.

The editorial maintains that the perspective of hierarchical learning used in school science teaching should also be realized at college level science teaching. Perhaps the best teachers and intense attention should be devoted to the teaching of a introductory course where the concepts upon which further knowledge is based are learned. (PS)