The process of identifying threshold concepts invites experts to reflect on their discipline in a new way with the ultimate goal of improving learning and teaching. During a workshop to identify threshold concepts in biochemistry, we asked a group of natural scientists to explore "signification," a threshold concept from the humanities,…

As far as the foundational education of artists and designers is concerned, there is a sense that the natural sciences are of marginal importance, that they deal primarily with matters of material fact rather than the concerns of critical thought or cultural discourse. The author contends that the natural sciences can be quintessential liberal…

This study examines young children's ideas about natural science phenomena and explores possibilities in starting investigations in kindergarten from their ideas. Given the possibilities inherent in how young children make sense of their experiences, we believe it is critical to take children's perspectives into consideration when designing any…

This study first offers a defence of the view that natural science has transcultural intellectual characteristics relevant to its educational purposes and examines those characteristics under their ontic, epistemic, and value-related aspects. While the epistemic domain has been most prominent in relation to the science curriculum and its reform,…

Although the natural sciences are dedicated to understanding the natural world, they are also dynamic and shaped by cultural values. The sciences and attendant technologies could be very responsive to a population that participates in and uses them responsibly. In this essay, Nancy Brickhouse and Julie Kittleson argue for re-visioning the sciences…

Describes a natural science program that offers twenty-five or more different topics each semester. Presents examples of the topics available and outlines the advantages of this approach. (GS)

SPEECHES AND REPORTS FROM A U.S. OFFICE OF EDUCATION CONFERENCE FOR STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCIENCE SUPERVISORS CONSTITUTE THIS BOOKLET. THE CONTENT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE MAJOR SECTIONS WITH SEVERAL SPEECHES OR REPORTS IN EACH. SECTION 1, "EDUCATION IN AN AGE OF SCIENCE," CONSISTS OF THREE PRESENTATIONS CONCERNED WITH SUCH TOPICS…

Presents an eight-stage teaching model used to develop science curriculum for primary aged students at a Hong Kong school. The model focuses around class nature walks in which students pose and structure inquiries. These walks are followed by use of the in-class and out-of-class environments to collect information and produce a product. (DB)

Improving science education is often regarded as a priority for developing countries in order to promote longterm economic development. Thus initiatives, both government and foreign-aid sponsored, aimed at improving science education in developing countries abound. However, all too often the focus of such initiatives is limited to the development…

During the academic year 1972-1973, an Introductory Interdisciplinary Course in Natural Sciences, Natural Sciences 101-102, was offered as a voluntary alternative to the traditional separate courses in physics, biology, and chemistry, for a group of 60 students. The method of selection of the students, the organization of the course, and the…

Presents the Human Sciences Program (HSP) developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum (BSCS) staff. The program is described as modular, activity-centered, personalized, interdisciplinary, and flexible. The article also presents the HSP classroom trial schools and the dissemination centers. (HM)

Revises Taba's model in developing a short course, "Winter Environment," in environmental education for use in elementary schools. Lists five course objectives and describes evaluation instruments to test the success of each objective. Suggests a model for curriculum evaluation. (CS)

Reports on the background philosophy, theoretical course structure, and the changing patterns of student choices evident in a course at the interface between natural science and social sciences. Based on observations of the first trimester. (DDR)

Included are two sections contributing to understanding of the model: (1) Orientation; and (2) Content Specifications. The model is intended to provide the user with a frame of reference within which to formulate and plan environmental education and training products which: (1) develop grade K-9 natural science teachers' understanding of…