Re: Physics First

[Dave Simmons <SMTC45@UOFT02.UTOLEDO.EDU>]

> The obvious answer to this is a three year integrated science sequence
> for 9-11th grade... structured in a mixed but developementally
> sequenced order.  Since that WILL NOT happen in the near term--if
> ever--...

Actually, that already IS the model for Ohio public education. In my 
opinion the physics is VERY watered down. And I would not really want 
to teach the integrated sequence since my biology and chemistry 
backgraound is not that strong...and it is pretty far back in my 
educational background!

Most schools have not adopted the integrated approach, but rather have 
selected objectives from the state course of study and rewritten their own 
"traditional" courses.



> > The main problem is how to
> > teach ALL OF THIS IN A MEANINGFUL AND PRACTICAL WAY.
> >      Regards     Emilio

Emilio is correct. Only I am not really certain what is most MEANINGFUL 
AND PRACTICAL at the high school level. 

How about this as a solution...

Teach integrated science to the non-college bound track. Maybe we will 
end up with greater scientific literacy among this group...albeit at a 
less quantitative level than we might wish.

For the college bound, how about a two-year integrated program in 
freshman and sophomore years followed by "traditional" electives for 
upperclasses. The first two years could be taught by generalists but 
there would continue to be a place for those of us who were taught as 
specialists. We might find the students thus prepared more ready for 
our courses. I know I have been impressed with exchange students who 
come out of a somewhat similar background in European schools.

But, back to Emilio, the basic question should perhaps be, "What is 
(should be) the goal of high school science education?"

Dave


*   				St. John's Jesuit High School          *
*  	 David A. Simmons	      5901 Airport Highway             *
*   <smtc45@uoft02.utoledo.edu>  	Toledo OH 43615                *