Peer Review

Profiles in Science: A Guide to NSF-funded High School Curriculum Materials, Second Edition

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jan 26, 2018 by Teacher Education

Bookmark

Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This is a resource for high school science educators who wish to compare 17 comprehensive high school instructional materials for teaching earth science, physics, chemistry, biology, and integrated science. These reform-oriented instructional materials were developed with funding from the National Science Foundation and represent standards-based approaches to learning and teaching science.
Type of Material:: Reference Material
Recommended Uses:: High school curriculum teams can use this site to systematically review materials in Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and Integrated and Multidisciplinary Science. The following areas are also under development with some information available: Foundation Science, High School, Environmental Science: Understanding Our Changing Earth, Investigating Astronomy, and Science and Global Issues. It would be useful in any course where the instructor is committed to transforming science teaching and learning.
Technical Requirements:: Internet access.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The purpose of Profiles in Science: A Guide to NSF-Funded High School Instructional Materials is to help those involved in the review and selection of instructional materials for high school science become familiar with high-quality, research-based instructional materials. This 138-page book is an excellent awareness tool for teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders who might not be familiar with standards- and inquiry-based instructional materials.
Target Student Population:: This material is geared for those elementary, high school, or higher education educators seeking information about current National Science Foundation - funded high school curriculum materials.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: No special knowledge required other than an understanding of the principles being taught.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The online guide is organized and addresses several specific areas of science education that, in turn, address several educationally significant science concepts. This 138-page book is an excellent awareness tool for teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders who might not be familiar with standards- and inquiry-based instructional materials. Each of the links takes the user to a specific pdf that provides an in-depth overview of that particular curriculum material. There is a diversity in the types and topics covered by the materials. The materials use sound learning and teaching principles.
Concerns:: None.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: Objectives are listed for each lesson. These materials increase the capability of the teacher to provide engaging experiences for the learning of the material. It appears that the lessons could be modified according to levels of student understanding and engagement. A number of presentation options appear within the lessons. Since the guide contains profiles on 25 science programs and four under-development programs, users have several options for materials that can be reviewed. Comparisons could be made and considerations can be given to what is deemed appropriate based on the need for the specific science curriculum materials. With close examination, users can determine the variety of ways that these materials could be used in teaching science.
Concerns:: None.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The website is clear, organized and systematic in its structure. A listing of contents is on the left side of each page to allow for access to any part of the lesson at any time. There is a search slot at the top as well as a register and login spot for the entire Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) site. Profiles in Science is available as a downloadable full-book PDF, as individual profile sections, and as a hard-copy publication in the BSCS eStore.
Concerns:: None.

Other Issues and Comments:: The website provides PD opportunities for teachers which may be the method of this non-profit organization to stay afloat. Although not an issue, this could prevent some teachers from using the resources.
Creative Commons: