Over the years, there have been various calls to increase and better represent astronomy in curricula. This is motivated by views within the astronomy and astronomy education communities that the awe, wonder, and interdisciplinary nature of astronomy has the potential to engage students in STEM across disciplines. Reviews of curricula have shown…

Using a mixed-methods approach the authors compared the associated practices of senior physics teachers (n = 7) and students (n = 53) in a 1:1 laptop environment with those of senior biology teachers (n = 10) and students (n = 125) also in a 1:1 laptop environment, in seven high schools in Sydney, NSW, Australia. They found that the physics…

The University of Sydney has offered an undergraduate course in particle technology using a contemporary problem based learning (PBL) methodology since 2005. Student learning is developed through the solution of complex, open-ended problems drawn from modern chemical engineering practice. Two examples are presented; i) zero emission electricity…

Presents priorities and strategies considered when developing a course on women and science at an Australian university. Suggests that the course will fill a gap in the history of science course offerings and address the contributions of Australian women scientists. Compares the experiences of two physicists: Joan Freeman and Rachel Makinson. (DK)

Examines the changing demands facing science teachers in Australia with the introduction of new curricula and an increasing emphasis on social relevance in science teaching. (JR)

The state of precollege earth science education in Victoria is described. The unit structure and content for the Victoria Certificate of Education in geology is detailed. The relationship between society and technological development is stressed in this curriculum. (CW)

Describes characteristics of and instructional strategies related to an applied physics course offered by the New South Wales Institute of Technology in Sydney. The course has a number of unique features which enable its students to be of immediate use to industry upon graduation. (JN)

Reports on a study that explored alternative ways of presenting chemistry in junior high schools through the use of an attitude survey taken by students (N=593). Analyzes and discusses student suggestions for curriculum, teaching strategies, and learning environments. Contains 15 references. (DDR)

Examines the tensions between the development of a holistic understanding of the diverse relations linking people and environments and the more dominant, technocratic orientation of environmental studies programs in higher education. Describes how the graduate environmental science program at Monash University (Australia) has dealt with these…