Science Education in the United States of America

Authors

  • Audrey Champagne

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v3i1.43

Keywords:

Science education, United States

Abstract

Science education in the United States of America is in the midst of an unprecedented reform movement-unprecedented because the movement is driven by national standards developed with support from the federal government. The standards for science education are redefining the character of science education from kindergarten to the postgraduate education of scientists and science teachers. The theme permeating the new-vision science education is science literacy for all. 

Science education is in a state of ferment, making it difficult to characterize the practice of science education in the United States. Because the federal government has no authority to control science education, the practice of science education across the nation has a history of great variability. The national standards provide a coherent vision for what should be. Were the vision realized, all students would have equal opportunity to learn science. However, economic, political, human, and cultural factors are making the achievement of the vision a challenge. 

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Author Biography

Audrey Champagne

Audrey Champagne, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Educational Theory and Practice, SNY-Albany, Albany, NY 

References

American Association for the Advancement of Science, Project 2061. (1990). The Liberal Art of Science: Agenda for Action. Washington, DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science.

American Association for the Advancement of Science, Project 2061. (1993). Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Washington, DC. American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Kouba, V. & Champagne, A. B. (Unpublished). A Framework for Science and Mathematics Literacy. Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, National Research and Development Center on Improving Student Learning and Achievement in English.

National Research Council. (1996). National Science Education Standards. Washington: National Academy of Sciences Press.

National Research Council. (Prepublication copy). From Analysis to Action: Undergraduate Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology, Report of a Convocation. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Project Kaleidoscope. (Undated). Thoughts on Science as a Liberal Art. In Structures for Science: A Handbook for Planning Facilities for Undergraduate Natural Science Communities. Washington, DC: Project Kaleidoscope.

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Published

1997-11-15

How to Cite

Champagne, A. (1997). Science Education in the United States of America. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 3(1), 52–63. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v3i1.43

Issue

Section

Section 1: Diversity in Science Education in the World