The history of education in the United States has been a contentious one. This holds true for science education in Georgia. Throughout history, there has been much debate on what should be taught and how it should be taught. There have been many influences on education including politics, economics, religion, and immigration. This multi-method…

At first glance, the introduction of a national curriculum for Australian schools suggested a new era of revival for school geography. Since the late 1980s, the development and introduction of more integrated conceptions of curriculum design and implementation has seen the decline of Geography as a distinct subject in Australian schools, with…

In 2007, a new upper secondary course, Earth and Environmental Science (EES) was introduced in Western Australia. The development and implementation of the course was supported by Earth Science Western Australia (ESWA), a consortium of universities, the CSIRO and other organisations. The role of ESWA is to support the teaching of earth science in…

This article provides an extended, comprehensive example of how teachers, schools, districts, and external factors (e.g., parental pressure and policy mandates) shape curriculum research in the U.S. It retrospectively examines how three different middle school curriculum units were implemented and scaled-up in a large, diverse school system. The…

Explores possibilities for adapting BSCS materials for use in Hong Kong schools, including discussion of major areas for revision, i.e., selection of local flora and fauna and establishment of a resource supply center for living materials and chemicals. (CS)

This paper examines the fundamental yet largely neglected distinction between school subjects and academic disciplines in the discourse on teachers' specialized subject-matter knowledge. It analyses and critiques the curricular positions embedded in that discourse in the light of five possible relationships between school subjects and academic…

Describes the assessment of providing science education for the 16-19 age group. Also discusses the use of computer printers in science teaching and the Nuffield 11 to 13 science scheme. (JN)

Discusses issues related to goals of science education, considering the context of the curriculum during compulsory education and two concepts of curriculum design (balanced and core curricula). Also discusses four themes emerging from the debate on the goals: problem solving; understanding of self; cultural heritage; and moral/ethical issues. (JN)

Reviews recent changes that Brazil has undergone in the teaching of biology. Notes that most changes during the past 15 years have been restricted to content. Suggestions are made for curriculum reform. (CS)

Provides a rationale for the Soviet chemistry curriculum and offers guidelines for teaching methodology. Details the goals and tasks for students in the Soviet chemistry curriculum for grades six through eleven. (RKM)

Discusses features of the "Basic Science" course in Japan; reasons why few students selected basic science; the development of Science I and Science II (results of the curriculum revision); and the relationship between Basic Science, Science I, and Science II. Science I and II objectives are provided in the appendices. (JN)

Presents three separate but related discussions on the rationale for including electronics into school physics programs. Pressures for curriculum change, strategies for teaching electronics, objectives of electronics, and other areas are addressed. (JN)

Discussed are changes made in the physics curriculum of the Danish Gymnasium. Presents a table showing the curriculum for science and language tracks. Describes five dimensions of physics and intermediate and high level courses. (YP)

Analyzes the process of large scale curriculum development. Locates the projects and their development within the range of approaches advocated in science education and considers the practical decisions taken during the development in relation to theories of curriculum development and change. (ZWH)

The Salters Chemistry courses, context-led curricula for 13-16 and 17-18 year old students, first developed by the Science Education Group at the University of York in the UK, have now been translated and/or adapted in seven other European countries. This paper describes and discusses the different reasons for taking up the courses, the ways in…