Following a description of the "options" component of the JMB A-level physics syllabus, teachers' responses to these options are summarized by considering the time taken to complete options, factors influencing choice of options, and options teachers felt they knew best. (JN)

Argues that research for teacher use would be more effective if it were: (1) of the form referred to as naturalistic case studies and (2) oriented toward discovering cognitive and social interaction mechanisms underlying the learning processes in classrooms. (Author/SK)

Presents excerpts of an interview with Philip Morrison, Institute Professor of Physics at M.I.T., who has made significant contributions to areas ranging from high-energy astrophysics to elementary school science education. (Author/SK)

Summarizes descriptions presented at a symposium at the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Washington, D.C. on how science and mathematics are taught at the precollege level in some countries that are the U.S.'s chief competitors in science and technology fields. (Author/JN)

Descriptive information relative to the historical background of the development of a new, uniform secondary school biology curriculum in China is provided. This curriculum, introduced in 1979, is designed to contribute to the achievement of national goals aimed at the modernization of agriculture, industry, defense, and science and technology.…

Results of a national survey to determine state certification requirements for elementary school teaching were analyzed to determine the amount of science content required. Very few states appear to be mandating sufficient science training to ensure that elementary school teachers are prepared to teach science. (PB)

Reviews a preschool science curriculum resource guide "Experiences in Science for Young Children," focusing on science content and instructional strategies appropriate for ages three to five. The text includes three sections: science teaching theory, child development, and meaning of science; 53 science activities; and materials and subject matter…

Describes a self-paced undergraduate environmental science course focusing on a theme that earth is similar to a spaceship inasmuch as: (1) both possess finite room and resources, and (2) living things are dependent upon life-support systems for continued survival. Includes a list of laboratory and learning activities. (DS)

Describes ways platyfish can be utilized in biology activities and experiments. Includes an account of the animals' care, unique anatomical characteristics, reproductive behavior, and genetics. (DS)

Describes a three-hour, one-semester graduate course to provide numerical methods and modeling techniques to handle problems in future courses or engineering practice. Includes rationale for topics such as interpolation, integration, and equation roots, among others. Indicates that all problems require computer use. (SK)

Supported by this experimental study was the hypothesis that science process skills of premedical and predental students could be improved by a semester-long course modeled after the AAAS Science - A Process Approach curriculum. Recommendations are made regarding the inclusion of science process skills in college science courses. (CS)

Data gathered from a national survey mailed to 55 industries employing large numbers of technical personnel support the notion that the employment market should be broadened for persons receiving their academic training in physics. Alternative curriculum strategies and course subjects are suggested for preparing physicists for industrial…

The author suggests methods of drawing the study of the solar system into every area of the curriculum, thereby capitalizing on the recent outer space craze of movies and television. (KC)

Discusses four variables considered to be important at the primary-secondary science interface: (1) the curriculum, (2) the school administration system, (3) the classroom environment, and (4) the teacher. (Author)

Presents an analysis for the development of research in science education. Results of some studies of six areas of science education research which have particular relevance for future policy and practice are also discussed. (HM)