The Changing Scenery of K-12 Science: From Committee of Ten to Frameworks

Lloyd H. Barrow 
(Missouri University Science Education Center, Columbia, MO 65211, USA)

Abstract: Over the past 120 years, K-12 science has had numerous changing emphases from preparing future scientists to science for all (scientific literacy). A historical analysis of these changes illustrates these pendulum swings that have influenced K-12 science. These changes have put stress on all aspects of K-12 including teachers of science, administrators, pre-service preparation, curriculum developers, professional development activities, and state-federal policy makers. Today, the Framework for Science Education (2012) organizes content by learning progressions and incorporates engineering design into K-12 curriculum.

Key words: science curriculum, scientific literacy, policy analysis