With regards to the letter re biology in the later years. Why would a
much more analytical course, like chemistry or physics, become a more
manageable alternative for freshman?! To teach either of these courses to
any reasonable depth requires a mathematics background that the students
clearly lack at this level. I believe the big problem comes from the
lack of solid science instruction in the seventh and eighth grades,
particularly the eighth grade, where a strong introduction to chemistry
and physics would give any student with an average intellect and
willingness to learn the proper tools to handle the conceptual and
chemical models of biological systems. For most students, the high
school years should be an exposure to the big three and any other other
electives.
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Tom McCarthy, Ph.D. Email:mcca6300@spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov