The Qualifications Regulator in England (Ofqual) has decided that with the implementation of revised (linear) science specifications, first teaching from September 2015, the assessment of practical skills will not contribute to the overall qualification grade. This could have significant implications for post-16 science teaching. The decision was…

This text offers an educational perspective on the challenges surrounding the implementation of integration (and interdisciplinarity) of mathematics and sciences and technology (M-S&T) in education and in the initial training of secondary school teachers. We find that the core nature of scientific and school disciplines in initial teacher…

The author compares two frameworks, one proposed by Sauvé (2005) for environmental education (EE) and the other prepared by Pedretti and Nazir (2011) for Science, Technology, Society and Environment (STSE) education. With the aim of investigating the utility of the two frameworks as tools for analysis of science teaching practice, the author…

Science provides foundations for people to understand what is happening around them, supplies information for developments to be made and explains why things happen. As a science and early years specialist, the author often wondered how early years and science can be combined. Where is the place of science within the Early Years Foundation Stage…

This study examined the science and mathematics instruction of teachers who were initially prepared by the Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation program (CETP). The focus of this study was on examining the extent to which science and mathematics teachers used more reform-oriented instructional practices in their classes when they…

Details two demonstrations for use with an overhead projector in a chemistry lecture. Includes "A Very Rapidly Growing Silicate Crystal" and "A Colorful Demonstration to Simulate Orbital Hybridization." The materials and directions for each demonstration are included as well as a brief explanation of the essential learning involved. (CW)

Discussed is the management of cooperative learning groups in an elementary school science classroom. Rules for classroom behavior and benefits that can be derived from using this method are suggested. (CW)

Describes a molar volume-molar mass experiment for use in general chemistry laboratories. Gives background technical information, procedures for the titration of aqueous hydrogen peroxide with standard potassium permanganate and catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to produce oxygen, and a discussion of the results obtained in three…

This article details two demonstrations involving color changes. Included are "Manganese Color Reactions" and "Flame Colors Demonstration." Include a list of materials needed, procedures, cautions, and results. (CW)

In spite of the almost universal call for curriculum reform in science education that began over a decade ago, research indicates that very little change is actually happening in a large majority of schools. Perhaps the reason is that teachers need to see a relatively fast, easy way to get started. This article considers some desirable elements of…