We sometimes struggle with the question of whether our primary goal is for students to recall or understand answers to questions, or for students to do science and improve their "scientific temper". This article describes how an enquiry-based laboratory experiment was carried out in which the stress was on the latter. The students…

Edexcel's GCSE Astronomy syllabus provides an opportunity for students to develop their understanding and enthusiasm for astronomy, as well as to complement and extend the reach of their study of key stage 4 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. This article, based on research conducted by the National Foundation for…

Revision can be a rather dull part of the academic year, especially if it means the wholesale revisiting of the syllabus using the same old notes. This article presents an attempt at using the "biography" of an element to give an alternative framework for recapping some of the key concepts in a typical A-level chemistry syllabus. It does…

Arguments about the content and structure of the curriculum for 14- to 18-year-old students in England continue apace, not least as a consequence of the National Curriculum review and proposed changes to qualifications. However, the majority of initiatives aimed at providing high-quality and rigorous technical pathways from age 14 onwards have…

Mineral Process Chemistry is one of the special study options of the Nuffield Advanced Science course in chemistry. Following general comments on mineral process chemistry, the subject matter of the option is described, focusing on copper and china clay. (Author/JN)

Described is the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) project in Great Britain. The project is investigating the possiblilty of accelerating the rate at which secondary pupils' logical thinking develops by using the science curriculum. A pilot project and parts of the curriculum are discussed. (RH)

Describes the development of a course for pupils of low educational achievement aged 14-16 years, in an urban comprehensive school in the United Kingdom. (HM)

Described is a school-focused pattern of initial and inservice training of teachers which emphasizes self evaluation and development through team membership. Details the workshop schedule and discusses activities used. (CW)

Choice Chemistry is a multi-level course written in a style for use in Scotland (but adaptable for other areas). Underlying course philosophies (including mastery/personalized learning approaches), course structure, and course content are discussed. (JN)

Papers presented include: (1) CORE science--an exploratory study of pupils' perceptions of their science course; (2) chemistry and science philosophy; (3) taxonomy of scientific words (focusing on language of science, science words, theories of meaning, uses/implications of the taxonomy); and (4) description of experimental studies, a 16+ work…

Discusses the need for a science-and-society course to fill the educational gap in school science, suggests how it should be taught, and presents a possible course syllabus. (SK)

Describes the "Chemistry from Issues" project at Chelsea College. Provides the background information, rationale, and overall structure of a proposed course about the importance of chemistry to common culture. Outlines one module about the British steel industry that has been taught at King's College. (TW)

Describes equipment, activities, and experiments useful in physics instruction, including among others, a list of articles relating to physics topics, computer interface that makes a computer cost effective, use of a guitar in vibrating string experiments, and photoelectric aids to the measurement of distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration.…