Provides an overview of an educational partnership that aims to develop successful strategies for teaching and using science investigations, to explore the effects of the British National Curriculum on current practice, and to make recommendations for its future development. (DDR)

This handbook aims to: (1) introduce teachers and pupils to Charles Darwin, his life and work at Down House, his voyage on the Beagle, and his evolutionary theory; (2) set his ideas within the wider context of the 19th century; (3) link the subject areas to the British National Curriculum, particularly in history, science, and English at various…

Considers questions relating to the introduction of particle physics into post-GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) courses. Describes a project that is producing teacher and student materials to support the teaching of particle physics at this level. Presents a proposed syllabus for a particle physics module. (KR)

Approaches taken by a school science department to implement a global science curriculum using a range of available resources are outlined. Problems with current curriculum approaches, alternatives to an ethnocentric curriculum, advantages of global science, and possible strategies for implementing a global science policy are discussed. (27…

Describes how one group of students undertook a project requiring them to develop assignments and teaching materials for GNVQ science. (DDR)

Student assessment in science in primary (elementary) schools in the United Kingdom is discussed in the context of the enactment of a National Curriculum. Sample science test items are included. Teachers must develop the skills required to assess students' learning in science and should not rely on external tests. (SLD)

The development of scientific explorations in schools and a framework for their assessment within the context of Britain's Graded Assessment in Science Project (GASP) scheme is described. The criteria for assessing the planning, implementing, concluding, and evaluating of explorations are provided. (KR)

Explores conclusions from a series of seminars and open meetings to review the future of science education. Addresses successes and failures of science education, science-education needs of students for lifelong learning in the next century, possible form and structure of a suitable model for a science curriculum, and problems with implementation…

This study examined the impact of Scotland's national curriculum for students ages 5-14 on: teachers' constructs of their teaching, assumptions about students' learning, and interpretations of and accommodations for student differences. Observations and interviews indicated that teachers had not internalized distinctive curriculum features in…

Compared are the levels of attainment for the Science in the National Curriculum assessment in Great Britain in 1989 and the performance of students on the application of science concepts part of the Assessment of Performance Unit-Science carried out in 1980-84. (KR)

Resources that are available for teachers presenting astronomy in the National Curriculum are listed. Included are societies and organizations, resource centers and places to visit, planetaria, telescopes and binoculars, planispheres, star charts, night sky diaries, equipment, audiovisual materials, computer software, books, and magazines. (KR)

This booklet reports and comments upon recent trends and issues that have influenced the education of children under age 5 in the United Kingdom. It is based on over 300 inspections of nursery and primary schools undertaken between 1985 and 1988. Following a brief introduction that outlines the educational provisions for preschoolers in the United…

Describes the recent work done in Great Britain designed to create a national curriculum in secondary schools in England and Wales. Discusses the organization of the curriculum with mathematics, English, and science being at the core. Suggestions for appropriate time allotments for different courses and themes are also provided. (TW)

Describes a means for determining student knowledge in science. Written in student-level language, WALLS contains statements about science knowledge within bricks on a worksheet. Students shade in bricks they know or activities they have done and part-shade any they are unsure about, giving a differentiated starting point that allows them to plan…

Asserts that scientific details presented informally in newspapers can be of educational value within school science instruction when used carefully and critically. Suggests that one of the aims of the science curriculum should be the development of students' willingness and ability to study newspaper science with understanding and healthy…