Scientists in the Classroom: The Cold War Reconstruction of American Science Education

ISBN-13: 9780312295714 / Angielski / Miękka / 2002 / 262 str.

John L. Rudolph

Opis

In response to Soviet advances in science and engineering education, the country's top scientists with the support of the federal government in 1956 launched an unprecedented program to reform pre-college science education in the United States. Drawing on a wide range of archival material, John Rudolph traces the origins of two of the leading projects in this movement in high school physics and biology. Rudolph describes how the scientists directing these projects drew on their wartime experiences in weapons development and defense consultation to guide their foray into the field of education and he reveals how the broader social and political conditions of the 1950s Cold War America fundamentally shaped the nature of the course materials they eventually produced.

Recenzje

'In this masterly study...he provides a much richer context for understanding the role of science in 20th century American culture. Highly recommended.' - Library Journal

'John L. Rudolph's compact, well-researched volume brings to light the intriguing history...' - Jessica Wang, American Historical Review

'For those interested in the relations between technology and culture, there is much to appreciate in this book.' - Amy C. Crumpton, Technology and Culture

'Rudolph has set a high standard in the scholarship of curriculum history...' - Alan W. Garrett, History of Education Quarterly

'His skilfully woven narrative is easy to read, and draws on an impressive array of unpublished, archival sources.' - David Kaiser, Science Education

Spis treści

Introduction Ideology and Education The State of Science NSF, Education, and National Security Curriculum Development as 'Big Science' PSSC: Engineering Rationality BSCS: Science and Social Progress Science/Education Transformed Conclusion: School Science in Social and Political Context

O autorze

JOHN L. RUDOLPH is Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.