Studies in Awareness of Science

Studies in Awareness of Science, published by John Murray, was a set of resources designed to broaden the post-16 science curriculum. The editor of the publications, Peter Hughes, envisaged that the resources might be used in these ways:

• as the basis of short courses lasting two to three hours
• as resource material to enrich A-level Science or General Studies courses
• as the basis of a complete course leading to an AS qualification.

The Teacher’s book makes suggestions about how the resources might be used in support of each of these three ways of using the materials. Further details about the use of the resources are given in the introduction to the Student’s book.

Two themes
The publications were written for the 16-19 age group, though much of the material could also be used for adult education. The authors considered that it was important that non-scientists develop their understanding of science while, at the same time, scientists develop their communication skills. These two themes run through the whole of the series.

Publications
The course centred around the options (presented in two option books). The background knowledge, understanding and skills which students needed to work on the options was provided in the Student’s book. Guidance for teachers was provided in a single Teacher’s book.