Resumo

LEDERMAN, Leon M. Reform of science education: a curriculum. INCI [online]. 2002, vol.27, n.2, pp.66-70. ISSN 0378-1844.

The paper proposes a revision in the way science is taught in high schools, in order to emphasize the hierarchial connections between the core disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. The proposal is that physics be learned first even though the mathematical preparation of many students is at the level of beginning algebra. However, taught conceptually, physics deals with every day phenomena and its scientific methodology is an ideal introduction to a disciplinary science. The concept of atoms is a natural entry into chemistry and the complex molecules of organic chemistry leads to the third year, molecular biology. Emphasis in this coherent sequence is on the explanations provided by physics to chemistry and physics and chemistry to biology. Mathematics is appropriately woven thought the sequence. The three year curricula includes inquiry based laboratory work and a substantial emphasis on science process: how science works, historical episodes, the role of theory and verification. The objective is to produce high school graduates who will be science literate for their entire lives.

Palavras-chave : Science Literacy ; Science Education ; Physics ; Chemistry ; Molecular Biology; Professional Development .