Learning objectives outline the knowledge and skills to be taught in a subject, thus signaling what is worth learning and what type of thinking is valued. The aim of this syllabus analysis is to determine the cognitive demand of learning objectives in the recently reformed Queensland physics, chemistry and biology syllabus and to analyse whether…

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…

This study reports on the success of using a problem-based learning approach (PBL) as a pedagogical mode of learning open inquiry science within a traditional four-year undergraduate elementary teacher education program. In 2010, a problem-based learning approach to teaching primary science replaced the traditional content driven syllabus. During…

Describes chemistry programs in four Australian secondary schools. (CP)

The syllabi included in this package outline the science courses to be taught in the Technical Schools of the Education Department of Victoria (Australia) in grades seven through ten. There is a separate syllabus for each grade, with two parts for grade ten. Each syllabus contains a statement of aims, a list of the topics to be taught (including…

Discusses the structure of the Matriculation Physics course offered in South Australian secondary schools and points to weaknesses in terms of preparation for students who elect to study physics at the tertiary level. (JR)

The syllabi for the grade 11 biology, chemistry, physics and technician science courses taught in the Technical Schools of the Education Department of Victoria (Australia) each contain a listing of the topics to be taught, the scope and depth of treatment, suitable textbooks, possible demonstrations and laboratory work, and, in the case of the…

The article advocates the use of content topics, and by the use of appropriate enquiry process skills, the development of broad concepts which will encourage children to consider their attitudes in a broad range of issues and the part they can play in decisions about them. (Author/RE)

Describes a year 12 preemployment science course which includes (1) the study of human physiology; (2) construction, maintenance, and repair of science materials; and (3) teaching science to year three and four students at a local primary school. (DS)

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)

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…