Science Hunters is a UK outreach project that uses "Minecraft" (a computer game that allows children to build with a wide range of blocks) to engage children with science. Sessions are based on a range of science topics and include practical activities. A new topic, on bioluminescence, was designed in collaboration with staff and…

The Royal Society of Biology is working with the bioscience community, and researchers and practising teachers in the education community, to inform its position on a coherent 5-19 framework to support future biology curriculum development. Our approach taken in developing the framework has been 'evolution not revolution', mapping existing…

A teaching approach based on the Biggs and Collis SOLO taxonomy is described. Lessons were planned using the SOLO taxonomy to communicate how students could demonstrate increasing complexity of response to scientific questions. Consideration is given to extending the use of the SOLO taxonomy to create a relational curriculum, which may be useful…

The 1998 Nuffield Foundation report "Beyond 2000: Science Education for the Future," by Robin Millar and Jonathan Osborne, produced ten recommendations and had a major effect on curriculum development in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Twenty years after its publication, I pose ten questions for science education. The hope is that…

Socio-scientific issues, which are often controversial, involve the use of science and are of interest to society, raising ethical and moral dilemmas. Examples of these issues could include genetic technology or air pollution. Following a curriculum reform in England in 2006, socioscientific issues now have a heightened presence in the 14-16…

This article describes how the Science Department at Shoeburyness High School in Essex introduced a space-themed year 8 (ages 12-13) science course to increase student engagement and motivation. As well as discussing the rationale for such curriculum change, it describes the processes of planning and resourcing the course, and the barriers that…

Describes the development and trialing of a model called Steps and Strides for assessing the progress of pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), moderate learning difficulties (MLD), and emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD). Applies Steps and Strides to science and other curriculum…

Describes the assessment of providing science education for the 16-19 age group. Also discusses the use of computer printers in science teaching and the Nuffield 11 to 13 science scheme. (JN)

Reviews the history of the Association for Science Education (ASE) and its predecessors on the occasion of its centenary. Discusses its involvement in the general science movement and later curriculum development projects, both to illuminate the political history of ASE and raise issues that still have currency today. (Author/ASK)

Describes an approach to chemistry for sixth form students which incorporates many practical applications of chemistry in the areas of pollution, drug problems and other areas. (BR)

Explores some of the impacts of theory--philosophical and sociological but mostly psychological--on the development of science curricula and the practice of science teaching. Concludes that there is now a greater recognition of the need for theoretical justifications for change and theory-led research into what works and, above all, why it works.…

Described is a science program being developed at a high school in Great Britain to cater to the particular needs of females. Curriculum was modified in third, fourth, and fifth examination years to emphasize social nature of science and relevance of science to pupils' lives. Some of the problems encountered with program and selected parts of…

1984 marks the implementation in Scottish schools and colleges of Standard Grade courses for the 14 to 16 age group and the 16-18s Action Plan. This review will introduce these two major curriculum changes to non-Scottish readers, and emphasize the changes which will occur in science. (JN)

Indicates one method for the improvement of primary science instruction is to examine a selected topic and enumerate problems it can pose to the teacher in terms of the nature of science and ease of acquisition of relevant information. Provides examples of this approach in the area of bird study. (GS)

Presents an analysis of the conceptual demands of Nuffield O-level biology, outlines the teaching strategy of the course, describes the population for whom the course is suited, and relates possible instructional modifications for those pupils not ideally suited for the course. (GS)