In this Reflection on Practice we propose a triple nexus of research, public engagement and teaching that could provide a new pathway for academic developers to enable greater engagement in learning and teaching issues from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academics. We argue that the public engagement activities demanded…

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 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…

In June 2010, the National Governor's Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers published "Common Core State Standards" (CCSS) for K-12 mathematics. Forty-eight states collaborated in the development of CCSS and, to date, 34 states have officially adopted CCSS to replace existing state standards. CCSS presents an opportunity for…

A curriculum innovation requires new learning material for students and a preparation program for teachers, in which teacher learning is a key ingredient. In this paper we describe how three experienced teachers, involved in the development and subsequent classroom enactment of student learning material for context-based chemistry education,…

This paper addresses the dilemmas encountered by two secondary science education instructors designing a course for preservice elementary teachers. Taking into consideration past experiences of teaching education and science courses in general and with preservice elementary teachers in particular and recommendations from state and national…

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…

Describes the development and rationale of a hands-on, process-oriented elementary science curriculum that emphasizes decision making, problem solving, current issues, and the human element in science and technology. (JHZ)

Reviews some efforts in elementary school science made since the early 1960's, including the Elementary Science Study, Science-A Process Approach, and Science Curriculum Improvement Study projects. Suggests scientists from all levels of the educational and scientific community assist the implementation of these programs. (CC)

Described is the BSCS Center for Education in Human and Medical Genetics, established to design, develop, and evaluate an instructional module in human genetics for high school students. This module will be a self-contained curricular program and will provide individualized open-ended experiences which present basic genetics content in the context…

This project was an outgrowth of an earlier minipracticum which analyzed and evaluated the implementation of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) in the elementary classrooms of the Jericho (New York) School District. Coinciding with the project, the author received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the purpose of…

Describes the background and 38 steps of the development of the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) Curriculum. Discusses some implications and eight points using formative evaluation to improve science curriculum materials. (YP)

The African Primary Science Programme (APSP) was one of the three major projects in Africa sponsored by Educational Services Incorporated (ESI), later the Educational Development Center (EDC), Newton, Massachusetts. The problems of introducing this programme in the anglophone African States and its implications for science education are discussed.…

Comparing the secondary physics courses developed by West Germany's Institute for Science Education (IPN) with similar British curriculum projects, the author argues that the differences in style, content, and reception of these curriculums are related to the social locations of the British teachers and the German academics who devised them.…