Focuses on science competitions by describing the objectives of and strategies used in several types of school competitions. Includes, when applicable, sources of additional information on specific programs (such as the Duracell Scholarship Competition and the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium). (JN)

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI) Program is a major effort by NSF to encourage improvements in science, mathematics, and engineering education through comprehensive systemic changes in the educational systems of the states. The SSI Program represents a strategy to strengthen the infrastructure for…

This volume of 50 promising programs and practices in mathematics and science education provides an array of innovative ideas of interest to K-12 teachers and persons involved in teacher education. These models of programs and practices can be used to improve teaching and learning in mathematics and science education. They can also be used to…

A model elementary science program was established through cooperation of Washington, DC, schools and the National Science Teachers Association. The program is expected to be a model for techniques and strategies adaptable to other schools. Program content, instructional purposes, and the fully equipped laboratory used are discussed. (DH)

Describes (in five separate articles) successful programs across the country in which business and education have paired up for the benefit of both. They include an intensive six-week summer program in which students join an Iowa State University research team (funded by the Iowa Utility Commission). (JN)

"Females in Engineering, Methods, Motivation, and Experience" (FEMME) is a precollege program at New Jersey Institute of Technology giving academically talented ninth-grade girls an introduction to engineering. Four experiments (windmill building, burglar alarm construction, electrochemistry, and spatial reasoning activities) helpful in achieving…

The Local Systemic Change through Teacher Enhancement Initiatives carry forward the systemic reform efforts of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources and the goals of the Teacher Enhancement (TE) Program in the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The TE Program supports…

Describes several outstanding high school physics programs and analyzes the reasons for their success. This analysis suggests a set of conditions for creating successful programs at other schools. A list of goals for successful physics programs is included. (JN)

Outlines characteristics of two earth science programs selected for "Search for Excellence in Science Education" awards (SESE awards). One program features a final examination in the field, while the other program helps train parents to be good geologic observers on vacations. (DH)

The Colorado Statewide Systemic Initiative for Mathematics and Science, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), has organized norms and tools for an Exemplary Teaching Practice project. This document identifies the norms of exemplary practice and provides an instrument that allows educators to develop a vision of how exemplary teaching…

Describes a humane Education program designed to build upon itself in each of the elementary grades. It involves seven years of exposure to humane education. Students receive a personal library of 14 animal stories by the time they complete grade 6. Teachers receive training at the local level. (Author/MDH)

Reviews exemplary examples of science programs and curricula. Cites and describes programs identified as noteworthy in: "The Search for Excellence in Science Education"; "National Diffusion Network"; "National Science Resources Center"; and "National Science Foundation." (ML)

Described are techniques and activities that seven different teachers are using in their chemistry programs. These programs were selected as winners of the 1983-84 Search for Excellence in Science Education. (DH)

A project is described in which a support team collaborated with the science department of a British high school to develop a "whole school" approach to serving children with special educational needs. "New paradigm" research, which aims to involve the subjects of an inquiry as collaborators, was used in the project. (JDD)

Writing can be seen as a tool to be manipulated by students to access, construct, and evaluate knowledge. Many students will finish six years of high school science education quite ill-equipped for the literacy demands of college. This paper highlights a genre approach to language adopted by a literacy program. (20 references) (Author/MKR)