Involving students in state-of-the-art research from an early age eliminates the idea that science is only for the scientists and empowers young people to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. It is also a great opportunity to dispel harmful stereotypes about who is suitable for STEM careers, while leaving students…

The article describes an innovative project for year 9 (age 13-14) students that has run since 2002 with the help of professional engineers and scientists and incorporates careers information and hands-on practical work. The programme was developed to highlight alternative energy as a subject and also to provide a hands-on practical day for the…

Various studies have promoted instruction in the history and philosophy of science (HPS) in science classes, but the best way of putting this perspective into practice remains undetermined. To contribute to this issue, we developed a pedagogical project in some high schools in Brazil that aimed to present science content using an…

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a natural part of most people's everyday life, and has also been introduced in schools. Previous studies have tended to focus on issues related to competency of teachers and lack of computer technology in schools. Focus now seems to be moving towards studies that help us understand how ICT may be…

Following on from taking part in the successful "Getting Practical: improving practical work in science across the primary-secondary transition" CPD project, Uplands Community College with Wadhurst and Ticehurst Primary Schools in East Sussex worked together on developing the CPD--focusing on effective practical work across the…

The ultimate goal of teaching is to produce enlightened students. It is believed that this is possible provided that teachers approach teaching in a holistic manner that exercises the best practices. They however need to have some form of guidance to teach in this manner. The paper describes the development of a teachers guide to teaching-learning…

This paper reports some of the findings from the science subject design initiative team in the ESRC Interactive Education Project at the University of Bristol. The subject culture of secondary school science, characterised by a content-laden curriculum and assessment, but also with a tradition and requirement for practical work, is briefly…

The relatively new field of open educational resources (OER) is just now receiving more widespread attention and study. As such, there have been few opportunities thus far to share knowledge across program, organizational and national boundaries. This article presents a case study of the development of the South African project Free High School…

Describes the physics program in Scottish secondary schools. The discussion includes (1) the course objectives, (2) the instructional approach, (3) curriculum sequence, (4) laboratory experiments, (5) student project work, and (6) the tests used. Bibliography. (LC)

Describes a new course in engineering science for pre-university students in England and Wales. The course outline, laboratory work, and evaluation procedures are discussed. The new course has been accepted by British universities as an entry qualification for degree courses in engineering and physics. (LC)

Some aspects of the reform of chemical education in the Netherlands are presented. These aspects include the reason for the reform and the results of the effort. Examples regarding the way entropy is treated and the treatment of quantitative chemical problems are given. (Author)

Since children draw no sharp distinction between work and play, it is possible to link science and drama in school, integrating science learning with the rest of their education. The success of this approach is attested by descriptions of four dramatic presentations which were finalists in an interschool competition. (Author/JN)

The nature of schools and science education in Korea are summarized and the Ohio State program conducted for the Korean Ministry of Education is described. The program emphasized laboratory experiences and the development and evaluation of instructional activities. (KR)

A seminar on the promotion of international cooperation and peace through environmental education (EE) within the framework of the UNESCO Associated Schools Project was held in Norway. The seminar was held against the background of increasing concern about environmental questions and an increasing awareness that the well-being and the future of…