We present the most recent steps undertaken to reform the introductory algebra-based course at The George Washington University. The reform sought to help students improve their problem-solving performance. Our pedagogy relies on didactic constructs such as the" GW-ACCESS problem-solving protocol," "instructional sequences" and…

A collaborative of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and education faculty developed a STEM certificate aimed at elementary education majors. A four-phase process model was used to create and evaluate courses. The certificate is comprised of three interdisciplinary, team-taught, lab-based courses: Environmental Biology,…

A strong, recent movement in tertiary education is the development of conceptual, or "big idea" teaching. The emphasis in course design is now on promoting key understandings, core competencies, and an understanding of connections between different fields. In biochemistry teaching, this radical shift from the content-based tradition is…

We transformed our first-year curriculum in biology with a new course, Biological Inquiry, in which greater than 50% of all incoming, first-year students enroll. The course replaced a traditional, content-driven course that relied on outdated approaches to teaching and learning. We diversified pedagogical practices by adopting guided inquiry in…

This three-year Virtual Measurements Environment curriculum development project for higher education within the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union is the result of intense collaboration among four institutions, teaching applied sciences and technology. It aims to apply the principles and possibilities of evolved distance and…

This report deals with the developmental history of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS). Description of the project and its origins as well as summative evaluation are briefly discussed. Diffusion of the project and subsequent adoption are also treated and its future potential evaluated. (CP)

This report deals with the developmental history of the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS). Description of the project and its origins as well as summative evaluation are briefly discussed. Diffusion of the project and subsequent adoption are treated and its future potential evaluated. (CP)

Describes the curriculum development project sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Thai government. The purpose of the project is to develop, treat, and implement new courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics. Explains the organization of…

Discusses use of the modified Keller method to teach three semesters of physics courses to groups of 10-12 students. Indicates student performance is markedly improved on the final examinations. (CC)

This is a progress report of an individualized three-year science course for use in the senior high school. The course integrates biology, chemistry, and physics with smaller amounts of astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography and space exploration. The course is currently in the second year of tryout in the Elk River, Minnesota, school…

The development and contents of the Nuffield Advanced Physics project are described. The usefulness of the material to students in college courses as engineers or physicists is discussed. (TS)

Described is a Dutch thematics physics curriculum recently developed for the average academic secondary student. Discussed are the structure, contents of units, and systematic units of the curriculum. (CW)

Presents the Nuffield Junior Science Project (NJSP), an elementary science program developed in the United Kingdom. Some learning activities that are contained in Nuffield Junior Science Teacher's Guide I are described. (HM)

Detailed are the origins, development, and implementation of the Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP). This group has produced, for use in earth science and other classes in grades 8-10, a series of instructional modules based on current scientific research in the composition, history, and processes of the earth's crust. (BT)