Current science elective courses in Chinese high schools overemphasize subject knowledge, lack course resources, and apply a single instruction methodology. This study attempts to reform high school elective chemistry courses and aims to promote chemical science literacy in students. It takes the example of the development and practice of elective…

Science proficiency refers to the knowledge and skills that individuals need to have in order to function effectively in an increasingly complex, information-driven society. The Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) instructional model is one strategy designed to foster the development of four key aspects of scientific proficiency. Classroom activities…

This paper is a qualitative, practice based study describing the use of the Focus-Action-Reflection (FAR) Guide (Harrison & Treagust, 2000) to address the shortcomings of a pedagogical analogical model in Year 10 Science. The aim of this paper is to present my experience of the FAR Guide in relation to an analogical model that gave rise to…

This study reports the results of a survey of 405 high school students in a school district in the western United States. The data were used to determine why so many students take only the minimal science required for graduation. Key areas addressed included how science is taught; science literacy; science, technology, engineering and mathematics…