From: R. McDermott
Sent: Sun 4/15/2007 2:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Pilot 9th grade physics with inquiry
Perhaps the better answer to this whole sequence question is that we should have an integrated science curriculum rather than all physics, all chemistry, all biology in subsequent years. Why not teach 9th graders the elements of each science at the time when it is most relevant and then build on those sciences in subsequent years as their math backgrounds develop?
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These comments are similar to those from AAAS Project 2061:
"Perhaps the ideal schedule would stretch all science subjects out over time, with ideas sequenced in a way that would allow them to be taught when they are needed and learnable, without regard to discipline, but with the disciplines supporting each other" (AAAS, 2001)."
For a detailed discussion of this topic and the history of the sequencing of high school science topics and integrated science, see:
<http://www.bscs.org/library/CapstoneCh1.pdf>