This article reports the findings of a recent survey of how often south London secondary schools use local green spaces and parks for teaching science. Comparisons are made between these findings and those reported from a similar study of east London secondary schools in 2006. The article discusses how an external project responded to the needs…

This article describes how the Science Department at Shoeburyness High School in Essex introduced a space-themed year 8 (ages 12-13) science course to increase student engagement and motivation. As well as discussing the rationale for such curriculum change, it describes the processes of planning and resourcing the course, and the barriers that…

Using the insights of the French sociologist, Pierre Bourdieu, this article considers the role of the science department chair in the reform of school science education. Using Bourdieu's "thinking tools" of "field", "habitus" and "capital", we case study the work of two teachers who both actively pursue the teaching and learning of science as…

In this article we investigate the changing context for teacher professional learning potentially afforded by the conceptual change from professional development to professional learning. Using a narrative case study methodology, we utilize the "Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration" developed by Timperley, Wilson, Barrar and Fung (2007) to analyse…

Relates the impressions of science education gained by a physics professor visiting the People's Republic of China. Observations from two universities in Beijing and Wuhan provide information regarding departmental organization, general teacher preparation, preuniversity education, science teacher preparation, specific physics departments, applied…

Discusses a biochemical engineering program for undergraduate and graduate students. Describes three university programs including the goals, courses, and problems involved. (YP)

Describes self-evaluation techniques used to evaluate a British eight-form, entry, 11-18 comprehensive school's science department. The evaluation was conducted after the author completed an inservice course on self-evaluation of science departments. The course was based on a book "Decisions in the Science Department: Organization and…

This article reports on findings from a two-year project--'Improving Science Together'--undertaken in 20 primary and four secondary schools in and around Bristol, UK. The project was funded by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca PLC as part of their national Science Teaching Trust initiative, and had as one of its aims the development of…

Suggests ways of and reasons for making high school biology courses more exciting and relevant to students. (MR)

Describes a British project which aims to produce a series of case studies of science education in middle and comprehensive schools. The methodology used to carry out the case studies and the structure of the framework of the project are included. (HM)

This is part of a series of modules intended to present guidelines to teachers for evaluation of secondary science programs. It contains the directions for use and the report form. (SA)

Reports on a symposium on reforming general chemistry curriculum sponsored by American Chemical Society's Education Division. Presents several discussions including levels of the goals of general chemistry, newly recommended content, and the pros and cons of descriptive chemistry. (YP)

This is part of a series of four modules intended to present guidelines to representatives from a community for evaluation of their school's secondary science programs. This module encourages the representatives to review, ponder, and evaluate the science curriculum in their schools for their children and students and then: (1) decide what it is…

Discusses some special Master of Science in engineering (MS) programs including manufacturing and quality control, safety engineering, transportation engineering, and computer related areas. Gives a table showing MS degrees, institutions, and faculty. (YP)

Discusses an issue that balances a knowledge of science and technology with that of the humanities and arts. Describes Japan's case including its school system, second language learning, and traditional values. Suggests that United States could understand and maintain the link without mimicking the Japanese. (YP)