Activity 1.1 Exploring Your Ideas About Science Teaching

ACTIVITY 4.1: Exploring Science Curriculum Materials

It is important to become familiar with science curriculum materials, the textbooks as well as the ancillary materials. In this activity you will investigate two textbooks representing the same curriculum field, e.g. Earth science, biology, chemistry or physics. Your can examine either two contemporary books, or choose a contemporary book, and compare it to one that was developed in the same discipline during the Golden Age of Science education. Your investigation will be designed to identify and compare differences and similarities in the curriculum materials you explore.

Materials

Two science textbooks

Optional: ancillary materials (tests, lab manuals, teacher's guide, audio-visual materials,

computer software)

Procedures

Analyze each text using the chart shown in Figure 4.2. A rating scale on a five point spread will allow you to gather some data for comparative purposes. If other individuals or groups chose the same books, you will be able to compare your interpretations.

Minds On Strategies.

1. To what extend are the Project Synthesis goals met in the curriculum materials you investigated?

2. How are contemporary curriculum materials different than those produced during the Golden ear of science education (you may have to collaborate with others who studied books in this era)?

3. Is the science-technology-society theme evident as an integral part of the curriculum materials? How is this accomplished?

Figure 4.2 Curriculum Evaluation Chart

Evaluation Criteria

Textbook #1_____________

Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Outstanding

Textbook #2_____________

Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Outstanding

Goals: (Project Synthesis)

1. Evidence is present that science should prepare individuals to utilize science to improve lives in a technological world.

2. Evidence is present that science should produce informed citizens prepared to deal with science-related societal issues.

3. Evidence is present that science should provide adequate knowledge for those pursuing science careers.

4. Evidence is present that science should give all students an awareness of the nature and scope of a wide variety of science and technology careers.

Content of Text

1. Accuracy

2. Depth

3. Breadth

4. Processes of Science

5. Nature of Science

6. Understandability

7. Other

Laboratory investigations

1. Process oriented

2. Integral part of curriculum

3. Other

Features

1. Design of the book

2. Use of photography and graphics

3. Use of learning tools for students

4. Readability

5. Interest

6. Other

Ancillaries

1. Laboratory manual

2. Study aids

3. Computer software

4. Films, videos, filmstrips

5. Other

Summary

1. Overall Point Total

2. Strengths

3. Weaknesses

4. Comments

Evaluation Criteria	Textbook #1_____________ Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Outstanding	Textbook #2_____________ Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Outstanding
Goals: (Project Synthesis) 1. Evidence is present that science should prepare individuals to utilize science to improve lives in a technological world. 2. Evidence is present that science should produce informed citizens prepared to deal with science-related societal issues. 3. Evidence is present that science should provide adequate knowledge for those pursuing science careers. 4. Evidence is present that science should give all students an awareness of the nature and scope of a wide variety of science and technology careers.
Content of Text 1. Accuracy 2. Depth 3. Breadth 4. Processes of Science 5. Nature of Science 6. Understandability 7. Other
Laboratory investigations 1. Process oriented 2. Integral part of curriculum 3. Other
Features 1. Design of the book 2. Use of photography and graphics 3. Use of learning tools for students 4. Readability 5. Interest 6. Other
Ancillaries 1. Laboratory manual 2. Study aids 3. Computer software 4. Films, videos, filmstrips 5. Other
Summary 1. Overall Point Total 2. Strengths 3. Weaknesses 4. Comments