This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term, multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Rationale";…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term, multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction"…

Examples of the interface of science and society are offered as several persuasive reasons for integrating science and social studies curriculum in elementary and secondary schools. These reasons include: (1) the search for new personal and societal values as a result of scientific and technological development in prolonging human life, in…

Research on the development of ability to control variables during adolescence is reviewed. The first section discusses studies by Piaget and his collaborators, replications of Piaget's studies, and related studies by other investigators. Factors which influence performance on controlling variables tasks are delineated; the existence of Piaget's…

This issue of R&D Alert presents a sample what of works to strengthen mathematics and science education. The lead article describes the core principles of WestEd's National Academy for Science and Mathematics Education Leadership. After 5 years running the academy, WestEd staff have refined effective approaches for developing teacher leaders…

Evaluates textbook content in light of goals set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association Project Synthesis. Examines the history of textbook change over two decades in comparison to CHEM Study 1963. Summarizes major features of texts that promote memorization at the expense of understanding. (JM)

Briefly reviews three programs which foster self-directed learning: "Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools,""Environmental Studies," and "Science 5/13." Includes a chart of words and phrases characterizing self-directed and other-directed learning. (SK)

Since the inception in 1987 of European funding programmes the number of students and the range of countries annually involved in international exchange have increased dramatically. In order to comply with this international development, the European Project Semester (EPS) was started in 1995. Since then, more and more students, also from…

Originally developed in an elementary science program called the Science Curriculum Improvement Study, the learning cycle (LC) teaching approach involves students in an active learning process modeled on four elements of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development: physical experience, referring to the biological growth of the central nervous…

The National Science Foundation's (NSF's) institute programs and curriculum development activities are briefly reviewed as well as the current activities of the Information Dissemination for Science program. Included are goals of the program and a discussion of the nature of projects funded by the program. (DS)

Summarizes papers presented during a symposium at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Topics addressed included history of summer institutes and high school CHEM Study Program, educational activities of American Chemical Society (ACS), and activities of ACS Committee on Professional Training and…

The intention of this guide is to consider the concepts, skills, facts, and attitudes of science which are taught in school; explore how content might be chosen; argue for a reduction in curriculum content; suggest major topics for science teaching; use examples to illustrate aspects of science content; and consider some of the implications of…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term, multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction"…

"Viewpoints" is a multimedia package containing two audio CDs and a short, informative booklet. This volume of "Viewpoints" focuses on using scientifically based practices to improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness. The audio CDs provide the voices, or viewpoints, of various leaders from the education field who have worked closely…

Reviews various factors of articulation within and between middle and secondary schools and suggests three approaches to solve articulation problems: (1) early and frequent evaluation; (2) establishing a positive social climate; and (3) extending science content using, for example, an interdisciplinary approach. (SK)