Science teaching and teacher education in the U.S.A. have been of great national interest recently due to a severe shortage of science (and mathematics) teachers who do not hold strong qualifications in their fields of study. Unfortunately we lack a rigorous research base that helps inform solid practices about various models or elements of…

Presents a series of outstanding examples of excellence in science teaching. Criteria for both outstanding elementary education and the characteristics of outstanding teachers are listed. (PR)

Indicates that Master's degree programs have remained rather stable during the 1960-80 period. Over one-half the course requirements in these programs are in science content areas. Courses in science education comprise under a quarter of courses in programs, followed in importance by general courses in curriculum/instruction. (Author/JN)

The Iowa Chautauqua Program was developed in 1983 with support from National Science Foundation (NSF) which awarded the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) a major grant to study an inexpensive in-service model for stimulating reform in K-12 science classrooms. Iowa was one of the six Chautauqua sites which were modeled after a program…

Highlights activities of the National Science Teachers' Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) program. The program involves searching for exemplary programs which can become models for designing new programs. A list of six SESE exemplars chosen for onsite study is provided. (JN)

A model for a two-week summer science teaching workshop is presented. Included are the goals and objectives of the science/technology/society course, the history of the program, and some results for students using these methods. (CW)

The reform of elementary and secondary school science education in the United States has received renewed attention with the publication of several science reform documents and the 1989 Education Summit sponsored by the nation's governors and President Bush. This digest reviews documents which focus on the reform of science education and projects…

There is little doubt that the findings of research in science education can be depressing at times. The literature is replete with reports and research findings which highlight problems and shortcomings associated with the teaching and learning of science. In order to provide a refreshing alternative to the majority of research reports which…

Discusses the postcard survey by "Science and Children" that attempts to identify elementary, middle, and junior high schools that have successful, sustained science programs and another similar search for exemplary programs conducted by the National Science Teachers Association and the Council of State Science Supervisors. (DC)

Various responses to the current crisis in science and technology education have been initiated, including federal aid, responses from industry and professional organizations, and introduction of more than 30 bills into Congress. Reasons suggested for the crisis include the three ideas that defined the curriculum and instruction foci of the 1960s:…

A center-based program for science student teaching at the University of Iowa is described. The characteristics that distinguish the science student teaching centers from the older, traditional approach are listed. A list of tasks associated with establishing a science student teaching center is included. (KR)