Suggests that a course in cultural science be adopted throughout high schools, where the majority of citizens finished their education. Discusses rationale for such a cultural or multidisciplinary course, teacher training, current practices, and changing from specialized science to a cultural approach. (SK)

Details an 'explanatory Earth story' on plate tectonics to show how such a 'story' can be developed in an earth science context. Presents five other stories in outline form. Explains the use of these stories as vehicles to present the big ideas of science. (DDR)

Reviewed are teacher and student materials for Searching for Structure, an activity-oriented, process approach, science program for upper elementary and middle school students. The program's science content relates to matter, energy, interdependence of living things and environment, genetic and environmental effects on living things, and the…

This paper reviews the history of the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program, an international environmental science education program. The goals of the program are to: enhance the environmental awareness of individuals around the world; contribute to the scientific understanding of the earth; and to help all…

Discusses the Bradford Plan's general education core curriculum which includes a course in scientific literacy. Advocates an understanding, awareness and appreciation of the science field. Provides the course objectives and outline. (MVL)

This report synthesizes the findings of the Illinois statewide curriculum census projects of 1977 and 1982. The census was designed to produce normative data relative to offerings and enrollments in Illinois public secondary schools and establish a source of information on secondary school curriculum. Statistical information include: (1)…

The Zimbabwe Secondary School Science Project (ZIM-SCI) was started in 1981 with the aim of developing a low-cost science course which could be taught during the first 2 years of secondary school without the aid of qualified teachers and conventional laboratories. Project activities included developing student study guides, corresponding teaching…

This review covers approximately 300 studies, including journal articles, dissertations, and papers presented at conferences. The studies are organized under these major headings: status surveys; scientific reasoning; elementary school science (student achievement, student conceptions/misconceptions, student curiosity/attitudes, teaching methods,…

This document describes a programs designed to help students attain the scientific awareness needed to function as effective members of society. The Senior High Science Programs (Alberta, Canada) will focus on students learning the big interconnecting ideas and principles of science; place an increased emphasis on developing methods of inquiry…