Background
Paul was born on December 25th, 1905, in Denver, Colorado, United States. He was the son of Henry C. (a printer) and Katherine (a dietician; maiden name, Renfro) Hurd.
Paul DeHart Hurd graduated from Manual High School in Denver, Colorado (1925).
Paul received a bachelors in botany and a masters degree in plant ecology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1929 and 1932 respectively.
Paul received a doctorate from Stanford's School of Education in 1947.
Paul DeHart Hurd, 1984.
Paul DeHart Hurd.
(Discusses new approaches to science education that reflec...)
Discusses new approaches to science education that reflect changes in both science and culture. Describes society's move from an industrial age to a knowledge-intensive era, and places an emphasis on learning to learn rather than simple factual instruction.
https://www.amazon.com/Inventing-Science-Education-Millennium-Knowing/dp/0807736716/?tag=2022091-20
1997
(This text focuses on the difficulties that developing ado...)
This text focuses on the difficulties that developing adolescents have in adjusting to life in the modern science and technology driven society.
https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Middle-Science-Education-Knowing/dp/0807739227/?tag=2022091-20
Paul was born on December 25th, 1905, in Denver, Colorado, United States. He was the son of Henry C. (a printer) and Katherine (a dietician; maiden name, Renfro) Hurd.
Paul DeHart Hurd graduated from Manual High School in Denver, Colorado (1925) and received a bachelors in botany and a masters degree in plant ecology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1929 and 1932 respectively, and a doctorate from Stanford's School of Education in 1947. In addition, he held Honorary DSc degrees from Ball State University, Drake University, and University of Northern Colorado.
Paul began his teaching career as a high school biology teacher, Head of Science Department, and Science Curriculum Director in elementary and secondary schools in Greely, Colorado (1929-1939). He then moved to the Stanford area and served as a biology teacher and Chair of the Science Department at Menlo School and Junior College (1940-1951). He joined the Stanford University School of Education in 1951, became an emeritus professor in 1971, and taught courses related to the certification of elementary and secondary school science teachers as well as courses for science education doctoral students; he directed a summer institute for experienced high school chemistry, mathematics and physics teachers.
In 1969 Hurd published two books discussing several of the new experimental programs for teaching science: New Directions in Elementary Science Teaching and New Directions in Teaching Secondary School Science. According to a Choice reviewer, New Directions in Elementary Science Teaching is an “excellent reference.”
At the turn of another decade, Hurd published Inventing Science Education for the New Millennium. In this volume, he gives an overview of the history of science teaching. Although he retired in 1971, he continued to write profusely. He remained active virtually until his death in 2001.
(This text focuses on the difficulties that developing ado...)
(Discusses new approaches to science education that reflec...)
1997Paul believed science should have social relevance for elementary and secondary students and they should have hands-on experience with scientific problems in the course of their studies. His interest in closing the educational gaps between science, technology, and society was a foremost interest. What he wanted, perhaps above all, was the creation of new ways of thinking for a new age. He was persuasive. "Not just hands-on, but minds-on" was one of his memorable aphorisms.
Paul DeHart was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and held honorary life memberships in eight professional societies.
Hurd's gift for clear and direct language made him a favorite of newspaper and television journalists.
Quotes from others about the person
Hurd told: “All of my writings depend upon research. Most of my work is based on a historical and philosophical analysis and interpretation. The primary focus of all my writings has been on education in the sciences.”
Paul DeHart Hurd married Elizabeth Kelly in 1947. Their children are Greg and Philip.