The science curriculum is a focus of repeated reform in many countries. However, the enactment of such reforms within schools rarely reflects the intended outcomes of curriculum designers. This review considers what we know about the experiences and reflections of teachers in the enactment of externally driven school science curriculum reform.…

This literature review provides an overview of recent studies on the introduction of nanosciences and nanotechnologies in secondary education. Four salient research topics have emerged: questions and reflections preceding curriculum development on nanosciences and nanotechnologies lessons; research on students' conceptualisations of nano-related…

This paper offers a commentary upon a number of recent documents from different countries concerned with the reform of school science education. It identifies and considers in turn four issues drawn from the documents: the way in which science is defined; the reference to science as a whole rather than as discrete disciplines; the nature of…

Geoscience educational publications are reviewed in seven areas to identify future directions for curriculum development, professional development and research. The review shows that: effective teaching methods encompassing broad geoscience study still need extensive research; whilst some valuable materials have been developed for the teaching of…

Explores the issue of curriculum integration, with a particular focus on science as a discipline and its relationship with other subjects. Presents the exploration in the form of a research journey. (Author/MM)

Discusses the development of a science curriculum that will enable students to apply what they have learned to the problems inherent to their generation as times and technologies change. Focuses on students still in school, trainees and workers in industry, and adults. (CCM)

Reviews literature related to gender, science discourse, and the discourse designed to enhance girls' post-school options through nontraditional choices. Contains 116 references. (DDR)

Reviews and evaluates the contribution of historical studies in science education with particular reference to the case of England and Wales, where there are a series of challenges that threaten to undermine the enterprise as a whole. Contains 67 references. (DDR)

Argues that "connective specialization" could be the basis for a science curriculum that would provide people with the capabilities they will need throughout their working lives in the next century. Claims that science teachers need to see science in its relationship to other subjects and fields of study and that they must initiate strategies for…

Offers insight into the sorts of questions that might be asked in scientific inquiry and suggests a new sort of question--What If?--complementary to those questions which have traditionally dominated scientific practices. (PVD)

Reported is an evaluation of chemistry syllabuses in Scotland. The development of the curriculum reform movement is briefly sketched, syllabus content described, student reactions and attitudes noted, student performance surveyed, and experimental studies summarized. The author concludes that curriculum developers should be warned against…

The functions of the Institute for Science Education (IPN) at Kiel, West Germany, are described. The main activities of the IPN focus on development of curricula for science education and investigation of special problems arising in science teaching. (PEB)

Described are some of the activities, roles, problems and projects of the Education (Research) Committee of the Association for Science Education. (PEB)

The operation of the Hall of Science as a museum and as an educational center is noted. Descriptions of 30 science education projects currently underway are provided. (CP)

Discusses the use of science syllabuses developed in one country that were developed in a second country and the consequences of doing so. (SL)