In order to compete in the modern world, any society today must rank education in science, mathematics, and technology as one of its highest priorities. It's a sad but true fact, however, that most Americans are not scientifically literate. International studies of educational performance reveal that U.S. students consistently rank near the bottom in science and mathematics. The latest study of the National Assessment of Educational Progress has found that despite some small gains recently, the average performance of seventeen-year-olds in 1986 remained substantially lower than it had been in 1969. As the world approaches the twenty-first century, American schools-- when it comes to the advancement of scientific knowledge-- seem to be stuck in the Victorian age. In Science for All Americans, F. James Rutherford and Andrew Ahlgren brilliantly tackle this devastating problem. Based on Project 2061, a scientific literacy initiative sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, this wide-ranging, important volume explores what constitutes scientific literacy in a modern society; the knowledge, skills, and attitudes all students should acquire from their total school experience from kindergarten through high school; and what steps this country must take to begin reforming its system of education in science, mathematics, and technology. Science for All Americans describes the scientifically literate person as one who knows that science, mathematics, and technology are interdependent enterprises with strengths and limitations; who understands key concepts and principles of science; who recognizes both the diversity and unity of the natural world; and who uses scientific knowledge and scientific ways of thinking for personal and social purposes. Its recommendations for educational reform downplay traditional subject categories and instead highlight the connections between them. It also emphasizes ideas and thinking skills over the memorization of specialized vocabulary. For instance, basic scientific literacy means knowing that the chief function of living cells is assembling protein molecules according to the instructions coded in DNA molecules, but does not mean necessarily knowing the terms "ribosome" or "deoxyribonucleic acid." Science, mathematics, and technology will be at the center of the radical changes in the nature of human existence that will occur during the next life span; therefore, preparing today's children for tomorrow's world must entail a solid education in these areas. Science for All Americans will help pave the way for the necessary reforms in America's schools.
This Student Book supports the new BTEC First Award in Application of Science. The first external assessment for this award will take place in March 2014, although the award can be taught from 2012.
Target exam success with My Revision Notes. Our updated approach to revision will help you learn, practise and apply your skills and understanding. Coverage of key content is combined with practical study tips and effective revision strategies to create a guide you can rely on to build both knowledge and confidence. My Revision Notes: AQA Applied Science will help you: - Build quick recall with bullet-pointed summaries at the end of each chapter. - Improve maths skills with helpful reminders and tips accompanied by worked examples. - Practise and apply your skills and knowledge with Exam practice questions and frequent now test yourself questions, and answer guidance online - Develop your subject knowledge by Making links between topics for more in-depth exam answers. - Understand key terms you will need for the exam with user-friendly definitions and a glossary - Avoid common mistakes and enhance your exam answers with Exam tips. - Plan and manage your revision with our topic-by-topic planner and exam breakdown introduction.
Matches the BTEC specification which will apply from September 2007 and provides in-depth coverage of a further ten optional units for the Development, Coaching and Fitness, and Performance and Excellence pathways covered in Book 1.