The inclusion of Nature of Science (NOS) in the science curriculum has been advocated around the world for several decades. One way of defining NOS is related to the family resemblance approach (FRA). The family resemblance idea was originally described by Wittgenstein. Subsequently, philosophers and educators have applied Wittgenstein's idea to…

Fifteen secondary education chemistry curricula published from 1957 until 2007 were examined based on the dimensions of rationale, goals, and subject matter. An examination of documents in the scope of qualitative research was carried out in the study. The goals included in the examined chemistry curricula were analyzed according to the cognitive,…

Why do the designers of environmental education do what they do towards the environment through education? More importantly, how do they account for their design decisions (plans and actions)? Using the theoretical and methodological framework of discourse analysis, we analyse environmental education designers' discourse in terms of the discursive…

Examined the effects of science curricula organized around topical and causal styles of discourse on 46 eighth graders. Found that students taught with the causal style of discourse had significantly higher retention rates and could better apply their knowledge to problem-solving exercises than students taught with the topical style. (MDM)

Sociology education at two-year colleges is examined as revealed in a study of science education conducted by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges that involved: (1) a review of the literature, (2) an examination of catalogs and class schedules from 175 institutions nationwide, and (3) a survey of 94 sociology instructors. The report…

The interdisciplinary components of science instruction at two-year colleges are examined as revealed by curriculum offerings in environmental science, integrated science, and the history of science. Part I of the report reviews the literature concerning the rationale, objectives, course content, and instructional methods of interdisciplinary…

This four-part report examines earth and space science education as revealed in the findings of a study, in which a literature review, an analysis of curriculum data, and a survey of science instructors were undertaken to explore science instruction at two-year institutions. Part I discusses the difficulties encountered in developing earth and…

This paper discusses the history, development, and impact of the curriculum reform movement from 1950 to the present. It explores criticisms and accomplishments, outside influences, and the current possibilities of reform. Beginning with rumblings of dissatisfaction in the early fifties, the movement grew into a full reform of science education…

This investigation of the teaching of science in secondary schools is based upon the analysis of 58 courses in general science, 45 courses in biology, 27 courses in physics, and 30 courses in chemistry. The courses were obtained from schools in response to a request from the Office of Education for courses which had been revised since 1925. Some…