Re: k12 science textbooks

Uncle Al wrote:
marknewlyn@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

"snip"

"Science education is about more than learning subjects like Physics,
Chemistry and Mathematics... It is about learning to think and to
solve problems."

"snip"
Years ago, I taught Engineering Fortran when I was a gradual student ;-)
I was disturbed by the problems the students were having.
Programing syntax wasn't the issue - it was problem solving!
After my first month - I changed my entire approach to teaching the
material.
It became a course on logic - How do you break down a problem so it can
be solved. - logically.
I thought logic (or problem solving) was an essential skill for any
literate adult in a functioning republic.

I was horrified that the course was not about introducing computer
language syntax, but an essential skills course. Worse yet - The
instructors for this course included some graduate students as well as
professors.
(I think I was the only instructor one who thought they were teaching a
basic skills course)

Logic and problem solving skills need to be taught before one graduates
high school! - not only to engineering students.
- also look at the Great Books reading series compiled by the University
of Chicago.
It covers grade K- old age (It's a start to a good education - even if
it doesn't target how to take standardized tests)

Gregg
.