This paper gives an overview of research on modelling science competence in German science education. Since the first national German educational standards for physics, chemistry and biology education were released in 2004 research projects dealing with competences have become prominent strands. Most of this research is about the structure of…

Relates early attempts to use experimental methods, including testing, for identifying gifted students in German schools before 1930. Suggests that these attempts failed due to insufficient training, the passivity of the majority of teachers, lack of support within the administration, and the conservative interests of both teachers and parents.…