The primary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of volunteer motivation, participation, and citizen science project type on the retention and scientific literacy of 4-H youth volunteers ages 8-19 years participating in science projects. The conceptual model of participation in organized activities (OA) proposed by Bohnert,…

Mueller, Tippins, and Bryan's contrast of the current limitations of science education with the potential virtues of citizen science provides an important theoretical perspective about the future of democratized science and K-12 education. However, the authors fail to adequately address the existing barriers and constraints to moving…

This study investigated the use of a contextually sensitive instrument to assess the effect of invasive species monitoring training on the scientific literacy of citizen volunteers. The authors measured scientific literacy scores before and after 57 citizens participated in a 2-day event to learn to monitor invasive species with an instrument…

There is an emerging trend of democratizing science and schooling within science education that can be characterized as citizen science. We explore the roots of this movement and some current projects to underscore the meaning of citizen science in science and schooling. We show that citizen science, as it is currently conceptualized, does not go…

Programs should emphasize application, stress useful work, encourage student participation in planning, cross discipline barriers, and relate to real, human, and social problems. They should accommodate differences in student interests and abilities, teacher preference, and local conditions. (DF)

Described are the Undergraduate Research Participation and Student-Originated Studies programs supported by the National Science Foundation. These summer programs offer undergraduate students firsthand research experiences in science and engineering. Students gain a better appreciation of the way science works and experiences in research…

Describes a variety of projects that were used in a summer program for gifted high school students to help teach biotechnical concepts and applications. Presents six projects utilizing algae as tool for solving problems. Also presents five production-oriented projects with hydroponics and fermentation as research and development themes. (PR)

Science as a Way of Knowing is a project being developed by the American Society of Zoologists' education committee. The project, co-sponsored by several professional organizations, seeks to increase the effectiveness of college-level biology. A report on the project's goals, symposia, publications, reprints, and sponsorship needs is presented.…

Describes grade 5-8 school project designed to collect, preserve, prepare, and observe small items under a microscope. The project aimed to demonstrate the scientific method, as well as to teach students to search for their own questions and answers. Includes listing of materials and projects procedures. (Contains eight references.) (NB)

Describes an innovative science program for girls developed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Girl Scouts of America (GSA). Presents results from the model project. (DDR)

This book is intended as a final report on those activities and institutions supported through the National Science Foundation's College Science Improvement Programs (COSIP A & B), and as a reference to current developments in undergraduate science education. In the first major subdividion of this work are included project abstracts for the…

Discusses the approach taken in a science project program at a math/science/computer magnet school. Explains the procedures, student requirements, and scheduling needs of the program. Contains a checklist of 17 steps for completion of the project. (ML)

Explains why Catholics are free to believe in evolution and Catholic educators are free to teach evolution. Catholics do not take a fundamentalist approach to the interpretation of scripture. Argues that science and religion are compatible, and that religion has much to offer science in terms of moral issues. (NB)

Author discusses ways in which Catholic educators can incorporate science into religious education. Argues that science and religion both seek the truth, and therefore do not contradict each other. Offers suggestions for making connections between the two, and presents Internet resources for the educator. (Contains nine references and resources.)…

This newsletter, issued by the Education and Science Division of the British Council, reports science education activities and projects planned or in progress in Great Britain. Reviews of recently published science and mathematics books and magazines, and a listing of international science education activities are also included. (SL)