In 1996 the National Science Foundation undertook a review of comprehensive curriculum projects in middle school science. The purpose of this document is to highlight the framework for the review developed to examine the middle school materials and the results of the panel's findings. Findings indicate that 13 of the 19 projects examined had panel…

Five central scientific issues are critical to consideration of the treatment in school curricula of the origin and evolution of the universe and of life on earth. These issues are: (1) the nature of science; (2) scientific evidence on the origin of the universe and the earth; (3) the consistent and validated scientific evidence for biological…

Describes the science courses taught in year 11 science at Elizabeth High School in Australia. Includes descriptions of the special teaching methods and curriculum materials specific to each science area. (MLH)

Describes an attempt to devise a science teaching scheme for 14 to 16 year-old students of low educational attainment attending an inner urban comprehensive school in England. Presents a list of course objectives and descriptions of the science modules used. (MLH)

Describes the syllabus of a course emphasizing thermodynamics and light, with no calculus prerequisite, but using calculus. Discusses student preparedness and student response to the course. (GH)

The article discusses curriculum design by the classroom teacher rather than large scale national projects imposed on the teacher; describes how a grass roots approach in constructing curriculum might be developed. (BR)

This column reviews commercially produced science curricula and highlights "Individualized Science" by Imperial International Learning Corporation. A description of the program is given as well as specific aspects of the organization of units and materials used. (BR)

A statement relating to science offerings in adult education in Britain is presented by the Science in Further Education Sub-committee of the Association for Science Education. (JR)

Continuing the emphasis of this issue on elementary school science, this article presents information on the Minnesota Mathematics and Science Teaching (Minnemast) Project, the Conceptually Oriented Program in Elementary Science (COPES), and the Science 5/13 Project (which evolved from the Nuffield Junior Science Project). (PEB)

Describes an introductory college biology course in which the student's rate of progress, goals and instructional procedures are individualized. (PEB)

The appropriateness of the National Board of Medical Examiners Part I examination was determined as an internal evaluation of second year students at a midwestern medical school. Review of the June 1974 examination by 37 faculty revealed that 85 percent of the items reflected the content of the second year curriculum with information necessary to…

Urges that more applied science and technology be included in college science curricula. Reviews courses which are working toward this end, such as an engineering course which requires the student to spend a week in an industrial environment and to produce a report on his visit. (MLH)

Reports a study of trends noted in science course selection methods. Information gathered is thought to be useful to college planning committees and administrators at college level in attracting the stereotyped, fearful nonscience majors to science courses. (EB)

Summarizes a report issued by a National Science Foundation (NSF) review team concerning pre-college science curriculum projects and recommends a redefinition of NSF's role in implementing natural and social science curricula in the future. Suggests a more systematic approach to the monitoring of curricula projects and awarding of funds. (BR)

The innovations include: an inquiry-oriented physical science course for prospective elementary teachers; a self-paced introductory physics course for biological science majors and premeds; a liberal arts physics major which emphasizes the historical and social side of physics; a program in which physics students have the opportunity to produce…