Initial Case to Consider

Curriculum Map Conundrum

Should the science curriculum be organized around thematic units?

Invitations to Inquiry

Key focus questions for the chapter

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

Inquiry Activities

Inquiry Activity 5.1: Science Curriculum Patterns, p. 130

Inquiry Activity 5.2: 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

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

Cases to Consider (on the companion Website)

Unified Science

The Science Proficiency Race

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

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

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

Important articles and books on the science curriculum.

On the Web

Links to key websites connected to curriculum development.