Physics 641: Physics Pedagogy
An On-line Course for Teachers of Physics

Week 3: The Golem

Assignment 1

You will each be assigned a chapter from The Golem and will write a paper (of no less than 1000 words in Microsoft Word) that summarizes the historical account included in the chapter and addresses the tenets of NOS that we have been studying. Upload this paper to Open Portfolio as HW4. This assignment is due on Monday, February 13, 2006 before 5 a.m.

Assignment 2

In the National Science Education Standards book, it is stated that "the sequence of the eight grade-level content standards is not arbitrary: Each standard subsumes the knowledge and skills of other standards." Those eight standards are

1. Unifying concepts and processes in science
2. Science as inquiry
3. Physical science
4. Life science
5. Earth and space science
6. Science and technology
7. Science in personal and social perspectives
8. History and nature of science

Write a paper of no less than 1000 words in Microsoft Word arguing for or against the placement of "history and nature of science" in the list of standards. Does NOS really "subsume the knowledge and skills of other standards?" Use examples from the classroom or from accounts of scientific research to support your argument. Upload your paper to Open Portfolio as HW5. This paper is due on Monday, February 13, 2006 before 5 a.m.