The enthusiasm for science displayed by students in early elementary grades is unparalleled. If not nurtured in elementary school, the spark for learning science diminishes. Unfortunately, the amount of time spent on science in Grades 1-4 has steadily declined since the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. In 2012, the National…

Since its founding in 1863, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has occupied a special niche in the complex ecology of advice-giving in the United States. Established as a small, private organization with special responsibilities and obligations vis a vis the American people and government, the Academy has expanded considerably in the past…

The National Science Foundation predicts that the United States will be unable to meet its future demand for scientists and engineers because student interest in science and math is waning. The goal of many community science programs is to increase the number of students majoring in science and to increase public science literacy.

Summarizes proceedings and student experiences at the 1980 Science Career Workshop for Physically Disabled Students at the Lawrence Hall of Science (University of California). Includes a description of the key-note speaker's topics, and other workshop activities. (DS)

Describes a high school chemistry competition at the University of Maryland (College Park). Basic guidelines, organization, events, and evaluation of the competition are provided. A list of events is presented. (YP)

Introduces the Australia Science Festival and explains science teachers' involvement in planning, execution, and writing curriculum. Provides information on participation in the festival. (YDS)

Students' attitudes toward chemistry change throughout their educational life. While enthusiasm is observed among 10-12 year-old pupils, in the upper grades the positive attitude changes to lack of interest and the likelihood of dropping the subject or course. This study investigates international researchers' point of view on the decrease of…

Describes the New Jersey Chemistry Olympics involving events such as library research, laboratory experimentation, model building, and computer programing. The goals, operational plan, competition events, and evaluation of the Olympics are discussed. (YP)

Discusses the value of work experience for A-level students and describes some novel student placements. (JRH)

Describes national and local activities done during National Chemistry Week including chemistry demonstrations, shopping center exhibits, contests, and museum exhibits. Discusses the supplementary material about chemistry in selected editions of 16 newspapers, "Solution for the Future." Presents many pictures showing those activities.…

Although the microscope is a basic tool in both physical and biological sciences, it is notably absent from most elementary school science programs. One reason teachers find it challenging to introduce microscopy at the elementary level is because children can have a hard time connecting the image of an object seen through a microscope with what…

Discusses an interdisciplinary approach to environmental education. Outlines the distinct features of Spurensicherung and the need for the development of working relationships between the practicing teacher and groups outside the school in the facilitation of the program. Advocates adoption of this method. (RT)

Introduces one professor's endeavor, "Insect Fear Film Festival," to educate the public about entomology. Discusses some related topics and misconceptions. (YP)

Describes a secondary school visitation program by scientists in Australia. The program was designed to increase students' motivation related to science, especially physics. Discusses the effects of the program. (YP)

Reports on research modeled after the studies of the National Assessment of Educational Progress which sought to acquire data on student perceptions about science programs. Indicates that student attitudes are not as negative in exemplary schools as they are in randomly chosen schools. (RT)