Education

Home Learning ’60s-80s

This entry was posted in Books Education History Science on by

Many of you probably learned a bit from the How and Why Wonder Book series:

These were produced in the US during the 1960’s and covered many subjects in science, technology, nature and history. They were large format books of 270x205mm, mostly softcover, but hardcover was also available. They are always 48 pages long, and mostly illustrated with simple painted artwork, though some photographs are used. The books are structured into chapters based on sub-topics of the title subject, and within these are questions that a child might ask, followed by a half page answer to the question.
Rob Storey has collected most of the covers.
Via Reflections in d minor.

Cool Space

This entry was posted in Astronomy Education Oceanography Science Space Exploration on by

The California Institute of Technology provides a site that has some great tutorial material on infrared and multi-wavelength astronomy. Also, the many images and videos will make multiple visits worth your time even after you have learned all the basics!
The material also covers applications to biology, geology, oceanography and more.
Interestingly, the site warns readers when material is written for those older then 14 and refers the reader to their parents or guardians if the text is too difficult. I wonder just who the average adult is supposed to get help from.
Via The Internet Scout Report.

All Left Behind?

This entry was posted in Education on by

John Venlet brings back to life this interesting 1895 8th grade final exam that, as his commenter Gary points out, has been on the net for a while. You can read the Snopes article and judge for yourself rather this interesting historical document reflects a decline in education standards and achievement. I suspect the success distribution in 1895 was little different from what might be achieved by today’s students on today’s tests.
For instance, here are some sample questions used as preparation for the Washington State 8th grade math assessment exam. After scratching their heads a bit over vacuum cleaners, pizzas and robotics the very brightest of the 1895 8th graders might have cut through the verbal cuteness and been able to solve the math.
Of course, nothing herein should be taken to suggest that huge improvements are not only possible but necesssary in the US educational system.