Although 20 states have adopted Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), 24 other states have developed their own K-12 science standards based on the same National Research Council (NRC) Framework. Understanding what influences content standards developers, realizing the supports and impediments to implementation they foresee, and knowing their…

This article explores the rationale for the 2011-2013 review of the National Curriculum in England, a rationale informed by the work of an Expert Panel chaired by the author. The focus is on the fundamental principles that determine the nature and content of the curriculum. The approach adopted by the review is contrasted with that adopted when…

The "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 20103) identify evidence-based argumentation as a key practice in science education. This argumentation comes in many forms, each providing a unique theoretical perspective and area of educational research. Argumentation can help model aspects of scientific culture and…

Because rapid growth of nanotechnology is expected to lead to intentional and non-intentional releases, future engineers will need to minimize negative environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials. We developed two upper-level undergraduate courses centered on life-cycle assessment of nanomaterials. The first part of the course sequence…

A liberal education curriculum requires discipline-specific courses that develop intellectual and practical skills. With this promise of development, it is crucial that instruction focuses on content knowledge as well as the thinking patterns associated with the content. In chemistry, scientific reasoning is one such skill that students should…

The world faces a number of complex challenges that are sometimes referred to as "wicked problems." Universities have been relatively poor at preparing graduates for such challenges, yet it will be the future professionals who need to tackle the problems. This essay looks at two related projects that have attempted to advance the skills…

Fracture mechanics is a multidisciplinary topic which is being introduced to undergraduate engineering students in such courses as materials engineering. At a recent Conference on Fracture held at the University of Waterloo, a session was devoted to fracture education. Some of the ideas presented at that session are included and discussed here.…

Outlines a physical chemistry course which is designed for civil engineering juniors and seniors to solve environmental problems. (CC)

The editorial raises questions for curriculum designers: Should standards of physics content be lowered to meet lower academic ability? How much emphasis should physics be given? How much specialization is suitable? When should specialization be introduced? (PS)

Describes a two-phase program in which phase one provides the basic concepts and skills for later science study and phase two provides a real choice of science units to suit the needs of students. (GS)

The inclusion of controversial issues in science curriculum development is discussed with special emphasis on the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). Guidelines for the responsible development and use of potentially controversial materials are included. (MA)

Described is the science course syllabus utilized for secondary science education in Queensland, Australia. Included are educational aims, course design, and assessment procedures. (SL)

Discusses difficulties of teaching thermodynamics at the secondary school level, including misconceptions about entropy, teachers' insufficient preparation, and the physical and mathematical nature of the subject. Concludes that thermodynamics has to be reserved for university teaching since it is a "non-pictorial theory" in physical science. (CC)

Describes arguments against teaching thermodynamics at the secondary school level as an argument against teaching it in a certain way. Concludes that an honest and simple presentation of thermodynamic ideas is possible after special steps have been taken to help teachers in understanding the subject. (CC)

Discusses the development of a basic physics course in which the technological device or system is used as a motivational factor or a focus for teaching of fundamental concepts. Included are a list of module titles and examples of textual materials derived from pressure cookers, toasters, and ionization chambers. (CC)