Realizing integrated science instruction at the upper secondary level – The chances and challenges of assessment from the teachers' perspective

In 1995, new ‘Gymnasium’ regulations came into force, which offer in the natural sciences the two extension courses ‘biology and chemistry’ and ‘physics and applications of mathematics’ in addition to the compulsory subject ‘science’. The BEFUN project (2003–2006) is concerned with the realization of integrated science instruction and especially the assessment in integrated science instruction at the upper secondary level (grades 10–12). In a first phase of the project, the status quo of the integrated science instruction and its culture of assessment is investigated. In a second phase, an in-service teacher training for teachers willing to realize a sequence of integrated science instruction as well as to develop and test new forms of assessment in their instruction is organized. The implementation of these new forms of assessment will be scientifically accompanied and evaluated.