The advanced placement course audit was implemented to standardize the college-level curricular and resource requirements for AP courses. While the process has had this effect, it has brought with it misconceptions about how much the College Board intends to control what happens within the classroom, what information is required to be included in…

This study sought to examine the activities that go on in physics classrooms in Senior High Schools in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the pattern of interaction and instructional methods used for teaching physics and level of coverage of physics syllabus. The survey design was employed for the study in which questionnaire was…

This paper is aimed at elucidating the current state of inquiry-based science education (IBSE) in Zambia's high school science curriculum. Therefore, we investigated Zambian teachers' conceptions of inquiry; determined inquiry levels in the national high school science curriculum materials, which include syllabi, textbooks and practical exams; and…

This case study analyzes five science courses of a United States virtual charter school. Online quizzes and exams are provided by the corporate partner, while local teachers have selected report topics, virtual labs and at-home labs for students to complete. These assessments were coded for their correlation to the cognitive levels of the revised…

Discusses why polymer chemistry should be added to the general chemistry curriculum and what topics are appropriate (listing traditional with related polymer topics). Also discusses when and how these topics should be taught. (JN)

Describes an eight-module, high school chemistry curriculum (including outline of course content) which encourages students to envision chemistry as a science based on general, related concepts rather than on a discipline composed of segmented, isolated topics. Module 1 objectives, assignments, laboratory experiences, and test are available from…

Discusses a high school physics course in which physics is developed from something students have seen or experienced rather than starting with physics and applying it to a topic. Instructions for obtaining a sample unit and course outline are provided. (Author/JN)

Examines various issues related to the establishment of a core of physics studies at 16+ and 18+. Indicates that a core physics syllabus should be concerned with phenomena, theory, models, and applications and not with such topics as the use of a U tube manometer. (JN)

Describes a general chemistry course which encourages students to investigate the applications of chemical concepts to everyday situations. Commercially available products are analyzed and the accuracy of manufacturers' claims are evaluated. For example, students compare different aspirin brands, calculating percentage of active ingredients and…

A loosely structured high school chemistry course with semester deadlines was modified into a self-paced course with unit deadlines (nine units/semester). Course structure, laboratory work, classroom management, testing/grading, teacher role, and student attitude toward the course are discussed. A sample unit (solubility equilibrium) is included.…

This booklet contains descriptions of various Tech Prep programs developed by PACE (Promoting Academic Excellence In Mathematics, Science & Technology for Workers of the 21st Century). Each entry includes general program descriptions, curriculum outlines, and course descriptions. The clusters and their specialty areas described in the booklet are:…

A description of the physics 3204 course in Newfoundland and Labrador is provided. The description includes: (1) statement of purpose, including general objectives of science education; (2) a list of six course objectives; (3) course content for units on sound, light, optical instruments, electrostatics, current electricity, Michael Faraday and…

A course in human biology was developed to increase course options for students of all abilities and interest levels who successfully completed 1 year of high school science. Major topic areas of the course include: general plan of the human body; causes, cures, and prevention of diseases; human body chemistry; structure and function of cells,…

Describes an advanced high school chemistry course that exposes students to a wide variety of modern, realistic instrumental techniques. The laboratory syllabus for the course (which uses the textbook "Organic Chemistry" by Morrison and Boyd) is included. (JN)

Describes the chemistry program in a high school which operates on a modular schedule. Each module is 20 minutes long, and there are 21 modules in a school day. Student success in the program is credited to the modular schedule and to use of learning activity packets (which are also described). (JN)