The State University of New York at Buffalo dental school's reform of basic science curriculum is discussed. The paper first outlines the curriculum review/development process, focusing on incorporation of specific competencies, computer-based curriculum analysis, and the role of a dental schools consortium. The paper then looks at future…

Author describes how 22 first-year high school students became politically active concerning coastal-zone management and wetlands protection. Students translated regulations of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection into plain English. Students wrote their opinions in a concise manner and appeared at a board meeting to influence its…

Describes an approach to introductory geology that requires students to go into the field to make observations, collect and analyze data, synthesize those data, and hypothesize about inferred geologic relationships. The product of these laboratories is a paper that requires students to test their hypothesis using specific examples from the data.…

Author describes an individual research project involving digital modeling of graded river profiles as part of a sophomore-level geomorphology class. The three-week project gives students the opportunity to choose research topics, design experiments to test ideas, interpret results, and write a research report. (PR)

Discusses increases of women/minorities in the workforce and the instructional changes necessary to recruit them into science careers. Describes model phases of change in science curricula (i.e., recognition of a male-oriented perspective, identification of barriers for women, search for women scientists, and reconstruction of science), providing…

Examined are two aspects of science education--the nature of science and curriculum reform. Contemporary views on the tentative nature of science and a generative model of learning are synthesized. (KR)

Presents the ozone depletion story as an excellent case study for the integration of science-related social issues into the college science curriculum. Describes the history of ozone depletion and efforts to remedy the problem. Provides a lecture outline on ozone depletion. Discusses integrating other science-related interdisciplinary topics in…

Discusses the following questions: (1) What is hands-on science? (2) What does it mean to be engaged in hands-on science activities (HOSA)? (3) How can teachers tell good HOSA? (4) When is a good time to use HOSA? (5) What can students learn from HOSA? (6) What assessment techniques will help teachers understand what students are learning? (PR)

Describes the use of role playing and skits for instruction in protein synthesis. (PR)

Presents reviews of literature for the following areas: perceptions and attitudes; curriculum and instruction; women and minorities; and the physical environment, educational technologies and support services. (PR)

Describes a Russian approach of using literature to make physics instruction more interesting and attractive to students. (PR)

Presents a problem-solving activity in which students determine the effects on the water level in a pool when rocks are removed from a boat floating in the pool and placed into the water. Students discuss the problem, design an experiment to test solutions, conduct the experiment, and draw conclusions. (MDH)

Points out that college freshmen expect major changes in the academic environment as they move from secondary school. Recommends that faculty use this opportunity to show students how to think for themselves. (DDR)

Presents the results of two newspaper polls conducted in Kansas concerning the teaching of evolution. Finds that the majority of the state's citizens do think that evolution should be taught in the public schools. (WRM)

Observes a 9-year-old third-grade student at home and at school. Reveals the disparity between Laura's highly contextualized knowledge of science and the school science curriculum. States that teachers do not value Laura's strong observational and analytical proclivities and that both she and her teachers think of Laura as an academic failure. (SR)