A review of the modern trends in both the schools and the culture. (LS)

Two research studies sponsored by the Centre for Informal Learning and Schools (CILS) investigated the programmes informal science institutions (ISIs) currently provide to support K-12 science education, particularly in the area of teacher professional development (PD). The first study was a large-scale survey with 475 ISIs responding about the…

This newsletter summarizes the movement of transfer students from British Columbia (BC) colleges, university colleges, and institutes (sending Institutions) into BC universities from the Fall of 2006 into calendar year 2007. Predictions for 2008 are also provided along with trends from Fall 2003 to the present. Transfer students are classified…

Learning to question is essential for determining pathways of conservation and development in southwestern Amazonia during a time of rapid global environmental change. Teaching such an approach in graduate science programs in regional universities can be done using play-acting and simulation exercises. Multiple working hypotheses help students…

Describes an undergraduate research program for minority students. The program and eight objectives of the first course of the program, "Introduction to Research," are presented. Some strengths and weaknesses of the course are considered. (YP)

Austin Independent School District provided summer programs in 2010 for students to accelerate academic learning, maintain academic skills between school years, recover course credits, retake state achievement tests, or experience school-level transition activities. This is the full report, a research brief was also published. [For the research…

Four middle/junior high school programs, winners in the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education are described. Programs focus on: (1) note-taking in the laboratory; (2) natural history expeditions; (3) environmental physical science (social and scientific ecological studies); and (4) use of teaching teams…

This article describes a summer program for high school graduates planning to enter college and major in mathematics, or natural or health sciences. The program is Piagetian-based and designed to assist the students in preparing for problem solving in college by providing multidisciplinary concrete experiences in science and mathematics. (SA)

Describes a carefully integrated presentation of visuals, demonstrations, stage magic, and music used to familiarize laypersons as well as students with the applications and fascination of modern chemistry. Suggests that this approach can be used by others for classroom and/or public-oriented ventures. (JN)

In evaluating its science program, an independent New Jersey school was successful in using the model developed by the National Study of School Evaluation. (MD)

Describes programs, primarily in science, in Carlisle and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (SP)

A successful way to implement meaningful curriculum change is presented. (CK)

Three programs for gifted students are described: a 2-week publication arts project; a summer science enrichment program; and a consortium. Note: Article includes: "Risks and Results: A Summer Program on Publication Arts" (Neil Daniel); "Summer Science Program at Appalachian State University" (John Tashner, Richard Stahl, and Debby Carr);…

Presents the use of the Primary Teacher as Scientist (PTAS) project as a tool for encouraging the ability and enthusiasm of students in science, especially males. Finds that Science Teacher Assessment (STA) results significantly improved and gender imbalance diminished. (Author/CCM)