Syllabus helpers chart

Chapter 4: Science in the School Curriculum

Syllabus Helpers

The focus of this chapter is on the exploration of the science curriculum, k-12. In addition to exploring the standards that have been developed to guide curriculum, you will find separate sections of elementary science, middle school science, and high school science. And a special feature of the chapter is the science curriculum: a global perspective. In this section, reports written by educators from Australia, Chile, China, Ghana, Japan, and Russia, give us a global reach as we consider the issues of science curriculum.

Pedagogical Tool Highlights/Content Notes

Initial Case Study

A National Science Curriculum, p. 112

Should the United States have a national curriculum, as many other countries do?

Invitations to Inquiry

Key focus questions for the chapter, p. 113

Key invitations including What are the characteristics of exemplary elementary, middle and high school science programs?

Inquiry Activities

Inquiry Activity 4.1: Science Curriculum Patterns, p. 130

Inquiry Activity 4.2: Exploring Science Curriculum Materials, p.136

Students compare curriculum patterns using school district curriculum guides.

Using evaluation critieria, students analyze two science textbook programs

Special Feature

Science Curriculum in Other Countries, pp. 140-154

Written by science educators from these countries: Australia, Chile, China, Ghana, Japan, Russia

Case Studies

Unified Science, p.155

The Science Proficiency Race, p. 155

Is an integrated or unified science program a justifiable change? Very few schools have done this? Is it a viable curriculum model?

Is comparing international test results across nations valid? It's done all the time; should it?

Research Matters

Using Textbooks for Meaningful Learning in Science by Sarah L. Ulerick, pp. 155-159

Referencing constructivism, the author provides alternative ways to use and learn from science textbooks.

Science Education Literature

The Middle School Student by Steven J. Rakow, pp.159-160

Discussion of the characteristics of middle schoolers.

Think Pieces

Sample: Do you think requiring students to take a course in science in each year of high school a good idea? Why? p.154

These think pieces can be used for individal writing, or project work.

Problems and Extensions

Sample: Visit a high school science teacher and interview the teacher about his or her science course. What program or textbook does the teacher use? How effective is the course with the teacher's students?

A collection of problems and extensions about the science curriculum.

Readings

p. 162

Important articles and books on the science curriculum.

On the Web

pp. 162-163

Links to key websites connected to curriculum development

Pedagogical Tool	Highlights/Content	Notes
Initial Case Study	A National Science Curriculum, p. 112	Should the United States have a national curriculum, as many other countries do?
Invitations to Inquiry	Key focus questions for the chapter, p. 113	Key invitations including What are the characteristics of exemplary elementary, middle and high school science programs?
Inquiry Activities	Inquiry Activity 4.1: Science Curriculum Patterns, p. 130 Inquiry Activity 4.2: Exploring Science Curriculum Materials, p.136	Students compare curriculum patterns using school district curriculum guides. Using evaluation critieria, students analyze two science textbook programs
Special Feature	Science Curriculum in Other Countries, pp. 140-154	Written by science educators from these countries: Australia, Chile, China, Ghana, Japan, Russia
Case Studies	Unified Science, p.155 The Science Proficiency Race, p. 155	Is an integrated or unified science program a justifiable change? Very few schools have done this? Is it a viable curriculum model? Is comparing international test results across nations valid? It's done all the time; should it?
Research Matters	Using Textbooks for Meaningful Learning in Science by Sarah L. Ulerick, pp. 155-159	Referencing constructivism, the author provides alternative ways to use and learn from science textbooks.
Science Education Literature	The Middle School Student by Steven J. Rakow, pp.159-160	Discussion of the characteristics of middle schoolers.
Think Pieces	Sample: Do you think requiring students to take a course in science in each year of high school a good idea? Why? p.154	These think pieces can be used for individal writing, or project work.
Problems and Extensions	Sample: Visit a high school science teacher and interview the teacher about his or her science course. What program or textbook does the teacher use? How effective is the course with the teacher's students?	A collection of problems and extensions about the science curriculum.
Readings	p. 162	Important articles and books on the science curriculum.
On the Web	pp. 162-163	Links to key websites connected to curriculum development