This paper reviews science curriculum issues surrounding the education of students with disabilities. The background of science education for these students is explored, and three curricula designed especially for them are examined, including a curriculum from the Biological Science Curriculum Study, the "Full Option Science System," and…

This article reviews common curricular alternatives for addressing the science education needs of secondary students with learning disabilities. A curriculum revision method emphasizing models and context-rich problem solving is proposed as an alternative to the traditional uses of direct instruction, mnemonics, graphic organizers, and study…

Within the context of a new college wide pluralism and diversity requirement, a large introductory biology course is now the testing ground for an interdependent model of multicultural education. The implications for multiculturalism, science pedagogy, and the pivotal role of introductory courses are discussed. (LZ)

Describes a successful program at Syracuse University where university physics faculty present their research to the students on a level appropriate for a general audience. Discusses why it was done, how it was done, survey results, and general observations. (MVL)

Four European universities have developed a transnational taught master's course in construction management which requires study in three countries. The development of the course is explained, course objectives are given, and the structure and curriculum of the course is outlined, together with a description of the international approach to…

In 1992, a national quality assessment report covering courses in all the Swedish schools of mechanical engineering was presented. This article comments on the general ideas and specific proposals presented, and offers an analysis of the consequences. Presents overall considerations regarding quality issues, the philosophy behind the new…

Explains why performance tasks should be used for assessment in hands-on science programs. Lists guidelines to help teachers construct valid tasks for student or program evaluation. Illustrates the guidelines by discussing a chromatography task from the Second International Science Study test. (PR)

Methods used to teach gifted junior high school students about the brain are described, focusing on aiming high, using real experiments, and considering ethical issues. Teaching average rather than gifted students requires different means to attain instructional goals and calls for challenging students but not overwhelming them. (JDD)

Describes the function, management and facilities of the Physics Tutorial Center (PTC) at North Carolina State University. A primary function of the PTC is to provide immediate and individualized response to learning problems identified by the students. The operational philosophy is to guide the student to the solution by asking questions and not…

Lays out an agenda for developing assessment tools and researching their effectiveness. Series of design tasks is proposed, with related research questions. Needed theoretical research includes studies of the effects of alternative assessment on policy and practice as well as the development of new psychometric techniques. Influences of new…

Reports a study of 922 college students that classified the students based on performance on formal operational reasoning tasks. Students were also administered seven logic tasks. Response patterns were analyzed and found to be similar to patterns derived from the multiple-hypothesis theory of advanced scientific reasoning and different from those…

Evaluates a program that encourages elementary school students and their parents to study science in an inquiry-oriented fashion in their own homes. Findings indicate that the program is viewed positively by both the students and their parents, and there are gender and grade-level differences in the student perceptions. (Author/PR)

Reports descriptive study concerning student understanding of isomers. Sample of 7,441 senior high school students completed tests which contained 12 questions on isomerism. Results indicate students are inclined to restrict their concept of isomerism to compounds belonging to the same class. There was no evidence students expected molecular…

Author suggests and discusses the following recommendations to biological educators for improving science education: (1) we must make our case to the public; (2) we must hold ourselves accountable; (3) we must stress the benefits of learning; (4) we must personalize our teaching; and (5) we must make our courses relevant and interesting. (PR)

Presented are the results of a survey of elementary school principals designed to determine whether problem solving and critical thinking skills are an integral part of the science curriculum in elementary schools. Curriculum orientation, amount of problem solving, and problem-solving/higher-order thinking priorities are discussed. (CW)