Compares the effectiveness of an Extended Discretion (ED) laboratory approach (exercising independent judgment) to a BSCS Green Version laboratory program. Results from 10 classes taught by five teachers, each teaching one experimental and one control group, favor the ED approach on a number of measures. (Author/JN)

Reported is a needs assessment conducted in 40 Massachusetts school systems to determine what elementary school science teachers perceive should comprise their inservice training. Findings suggest that programs focus on the metric system, environmental science, more science knowledge, and better science methods. (Author/SA)

Determines if elementary teachers' (N=138) understanding of SCIS concepts and teaching strategies change as a result of a televised inservice program using confidence levels as a criterion for understanding. Findings indicate that an inservice program consisting of televised sessions significantly improves teachers' understanding of SCIS concepts…

Described is the development and implementation of the Israel Elementary Science Project (MATAL) established in 1968 which used British and American programs as its foundation, but modified them for application to the needs of less developed countries. Structure, content, teacher training, and enrichment programs of MATAL are discussed. (Author/DS)

Gives an overview of Science-Technology-Society (STS) education, which views scientific and technological progress as social processes. An STS course called Social Organic Chemistry is described as a replacement for Application of Organic Chemistry in a teachers' college. The course addresses the application of the principles and fundamentals of…

Described and assessed was the teacher's role in three elementary school science programs which included hands-on learning experiences for the students. Results indicated that this role varied with the manner in which hands-on materials were used in the program. (CW)

Described is an elementary school science program developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study entitled "Science for Life and Living: Integrating Science, Technology and Health." Discussed are the rationale, unifying themes, organization, teaching model, implementation, development, production, and support for this program. (CW)

Described are the organization, development, and piloting of this K-6 science curriculum program. Results of the pilot study are presented including the improvement in student and teacher attitudes. (CW)

Notes that as the student progresses through school, science experiences hold a less positive view. Used are teacher interviews and classroom observations conducted to determine possible explanations. Points out that schools need to help students realize how much science affects their everyday lives. (MVL)

Discussed is the history of school science curriculum reform from the Sputnik era to 1990. The relationship between the crisis in the 1950s and 1990 is addressed. A list of curriculum development programs for all levels and special needs students is included. (KR)

Project ESTEEM (Earth Science Teachers Exploring Exemplary Materials) is designed to improve earth science teaching by providing materials and personnel to reverse the decline in activity-based instruction. During an intense summer program, precollege teachers examine and present activities for earth-science courses. These materials are assembled…

This article briefly describes a curriculum study that had two main purposes. The first purpose was to develop and reflect upon a new energy technology curriculum at the lower secondary school level using an action research method. The second purpose was to determine the effect of collaborative activities, with the families of the pupils enrolled…

To address the critical problem of inadequate physician supply in rural British Columbia, The University of British Columbia (UBC) launched an innovative, expanded and distributed medical program in 2004-2005. Medical students engage in a common curriculum at three geographically distinct sites across B.C.: in Vancouver, Prince George and…

Education in science serves three purposes. First, it prepares students to study science at higher levels of education. Second, it prepares students to enter the workforce, pursue occupations, and take up careers. Third, it prepares them to become more scientifically literate citizens. The relative priority and alignment of these three purposes…

The world of science education is rich with guidelines on what the science curriculum should include, but impoverished in time and money to create real programs for students that reflect these guidelines effectively. This handbook is designed to assist teachers and administrators in charting a course through the maze of new national and state…