Depth is more important than Breadth in the Teaching of Secondary Science- Con Position Paper

Introduction Problem: Finite Time Problem: Finite Time Problem: Finite Resources Problem: Finite Resources

Why Breadth? Scientific Literacy Scientific Literacy Interest and Intrinsic Motivation Interest and Intrinsic Motivation Build General Knowledge Build General Knowledge Expose Students to Areas of science Expose Students to Areas of science

Scientific Literacy

Breadth of topics more likely to reach interest Breadth of topics more likely to reach interest Higher interest results in intrinsic motivation Higher interest results in intrinsic motivation Breadth results in more general knowledge Breadth results in more general knowledge

Scientific Literacy Excessive depth locks teachers into teaching incorrect concepts Excessive depth locks teachers into teaching incorrect concepts Current fashion produces scientifically illiterate students Current fashion produces scientifically illiterate students

Social Awareness and Responsibility Current science courses create confusion between breadth and depth Current science courses create confusion between breadth and depth Choosing breadth as philosophical imperative avoids that confusion Choosing breadth as philosophical imperative avoids that confusion Broad focus should be on social awareness Broad focus should be on social awareness