Attempts to assess the impact of the NSF science curriculum projects have been generally unsatisfactory. Much of the NSF impact on science education will probably continue to defy quantification. Whether or not the new curricula achieve their goal of increasing scientific literacy among the public can only be evaluated over the lifetimes of the…

Describes the Alternative Strategies and Services for Improving Science Teaching program of Iowa (Iowa-ASSIST). It represents a major effort for inservice education and science curriculum implementation in Iowa schools. The functioning model and the outcomes of the program are also discussed. (HM)

Examines issues and developments surrounding early National Science Foundation (NSF) curriculum projects, providing a conceptual basis for understanding present science education issues on re-education of teachers and redesigning science curricula. The scientific community had great control on the NSF projects but did not consider new…

Discusses Piaget's ideas and their influence on science class practices. Three elementary science programs are presented as teaching models based on Piaget's theory. New issues for teachers created as a result of the application of Piagetian ideas are discussed also. (HM)

Discusses the need to determine the extent to which NSF-supported curriculum materials have been implemented. Reviews the Concerns Based Adoption Model and describes how science educators might use this model to understand and manage curriculum implementation processes. (DS)

Summarizes findings of seven studies dealing with how teacher behavior affects student performance in activity-centered science classrooms at the elementary and junior high school levels. Concludes that activity-centered classrooms encourage student creativity in problem solving, student independence, and help low ability students overcome initial…

Discusses the need for curricular and instructional integration of science and mathematics. Describes some reports supporting integration and some curriculum projects that include integration. (YP)