Discusses results of surveys on status of science education in graduate institutions (N=132), focusing on the 35 largest programs in terms of doctoral programs/enrollment and research productivity and other science educators' (N=144) perceptions of problems. Suggests solutions related to: administration, research, science content; theory and…

Maintains that the science/technology/society movement (STS) is a megatrend in science education. Explains that STS takes a holistic, problem-solving approach toward teaching science, one that is student oriented and much more accessible than traditional approaches. Lists tables that contrast STS and traditional classes. (DB)

Using Project Synthesis as an example of qualitative synthesis research in science education, discusses the characteristics of such research: using research teams to provide perspectives and viewpoints; using variety of data sources; including a conceptual scheme for accomplishing synthesis; and concluding with, among others, an analysis of…

A group of outstanding science teachers agreed that student motivation and interest soar when real-life issues are used as themes for study. Illustrates how the interdisciplinary approach works with the issue of smoking. (MLF)

Argues that science programs developed during the 1960's should be replaced by "science/technology/society" (S/T/S) programs, which build on students' curiosity and concern about local problems. (TE)

Offers a defense of societal issues as organizers for school science programs in response to criticisms of this thesis discussed in SE 534 649. Indicates that there appears to be no evidence that using nontraditional topics as organizers will make science more subject to manipulation and perversion. (JN)

Described are the dimensions of the perceived crises in science education as described by responses from 28 science educators (see SE 528 242). Also discussed are some proposed solutions. Areas of crises and solutions include administration, research, science content and theory, and learning. (Authors/DS)

Social issues provide real life and motivational questions which are successful in engaging the minds of many people (especially students). When dealing with social issues, students see the importance of so-called basic concepts and skills in dealing with them. For most persons, real mind engagement rarely occurs in educational settings. One…

Reviews what research has revealed about science education during the preceeding 20 years. Describes the desired state condition for science education created by the National Science Foundation's Project Synthesis. Contrasts the desired state to the actual state of science instruction. (FL)

It is noted science education is in a major period of transition, largely because of major problems facing society today. The feeling expressed is that science teaching designed to respond to societal demands of the 1960's is inappropriate for the demands of the 1980's. Possible directions for new programs are discussed. (MP)

Provides rationale for interdisciplinary science curricula which emphasize decision-making skills. Includes examples of interdisciplinary curricula using an issue-centered approach: Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary School (USMES), Health Activities Program (HAP), Human Sciences Program (HSP), Individualized Science Instructional…

Analysis of an open-ended survey of 144 university and school science educators resulted in identification of six major problem areas: conceptual, organizational, teacher-related, student-related, university-centered, and societal. (Author)

Described is a mail survey involving 28 science educators at 28 universities in the United States responsible for nearly all graduate research in science education. Each science educator was asked to prepare a short, one-page description of his/her perception of current problems in science education. (Author/DS)

Reports on changes in the perceptions of science classes and science study of elementary, middle, and high school students in Iowa following Science-Technology-Society (STS) instruction for one semester. Results indicate that students develop positive perceptions about science classes and science in general following STS instruction. Contains 27…

Reports on a study into the relative importance of the four goal clusters of Project Synthesis as perceived by members of service clubs and community groups. Results indicate that although the importance of science for further studying of science remained constant from 1976-1986, significant increases occurred in the importance of science in…