This article outlines the 'Big Ideas' approach to curriculum reform, as applied in the 'Principles and Big Ideas of Science Education' project. A critical analysis follows of the outcomes of the University of Exeter's 'Identifying Principles and Big Ideas for Religious Education' project, which sought to apply the same approach to Religious…

The article raises questions about how argumentation is situated in science and religious education. Argumentation is about the justification of claims with reasons and evidence. It is a way of reasoning in both science and religious studies. A current 3-year research and development project entitled "Oxford Argumentation in Religion and…

This paper reports on an ongoing professional learning and development (PLD) initiative in New Zealand. The Academy is designed to provide primary and intermediate classroom teachers with the knowledge, materials and support needed for effective delivery of "The New Zealand Curriculum's" science subject area. Specifically, this paper…

"Teaching and Studying Social Issues: Major Programs and Approaches" focuses on many of the major innovations developed over the past 100 years by noted educators to assist students in the study and analysis of key social issues that impact their lives and society. This book complements earlier books that address other aspects of studying and…

Describes a biochemistry program at the University of Lancaster designed to emphasize the need for thinking clearly and persevering through a problem. (GS)

The Analytical Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) questions criteria established by the Committee on Professional Training of the same organization concerning the role of analytical chemistry in freshman level courses. (CP)

Discusses the integrated science course given to 13-16 year olds and the structure of form 6-7 physics designed for 16-18 year olds. Indicates the presence of school staffing and financial problems in carrying out new science programs. (CC)

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

This college was the first to offer bachelors degree curriculum in industrial hygiene. (BB)

Describes a course in which students analyze man-made materials utilizing mineralogical facts and techniques. Discusses course content, teaching methods, and course evaluation. (MA)

An upper-class college seminar-style course in which students work on semester-long research papers on a variety of anomalous claims and subjects is described. A list of topics chosen in the course and a copy of an opinion survey on paranormal and anomalistic phenomena are included. (KR)

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)

Describes a graduate level program open to students with bachelor's degrees in science and engineering. The program requires both course work and a combined laboratory-research project. (GS)

Presents the objectives, content structure, and administrative procedures of an integrated chemistry-physics program. Considers the relative advantages and disadvantages of an integrated approach. (GS)

Presents the rationale, general aims, course sequence, and course descriptions for a health studies program. This program requires from six to eight units for a major in this area. (GS)