Draws comparisons between the development of physics courses and the approach required to solve an engineering problem. Some major strands in the development of A-level physics and related subjects are discussed to illustrate/illuminate compromises necessary to resolve tensions that exist (such as between pure/applied approaches to physics…

Characteristics of the archaebacteria (comprising the methanogenic, thermoacidophilic, and extreme halophilic bacteria) are discussed, including comparisons of molecular traits for archaebacteria, eubacteria, eukaryotes, and taxonomic considerations. Issues related to integrating the archaebacteria into biology curricula and teaching about the…

The need for a philosophic base to provide direction for science curriculum development and instruction is discussed. The history of philosophies of science is traced, followed by an extended discussion of a "new" philosophy and its implications for the curriculum. (MNS)

Describes self-evaluation techniques used to evaluate a British eight-form, entry, 11-18 comprehensive school's science department. The evaluation was conducted after the author completed an inservice course on self-evaluation of science departments. The course was based on a book "Decisions in the Science Department: Organization and…

Presents a philosophical analysis of the creation/evolution conflict in which a deliberate attempt is made to highlight its wider curricular dimension. Argues that literature on the conflict focuses primarily on questions concerning nature of science and avoids discussing of equally pressing curricular/instructional issues, particularly…

A quantitative theory of teaching suggests that more teaching leads to more learning. Supplementing this is a qualitative theory of teaching, suggesting that learning is largely unafffected by the form of teaching. Four approaches accounting for the qualitative principle of teaching are discussed, including implications for science curriculum and…

Examined 227 articles appearing in science education periodicals (1962-1981) related to science and society education. Articles reviewed reached a peak in the early '70s and then declined. Four major areas of weaknesses in science and society education revealed by the data in the study are outlined. (JN)

Results of six original studies are extracted for comparison in three ways. These are summaries of: (1) reported problems of various groups of science educators; (2) solutions proposed by these same groups to the problems facing science education; and (3) recommendations for future directions. A synthesis of the recommendations focuses on four…

Describes three chemical information science courses offered by Indiana University (IU) Department of Chemistry. Also describes goals and operation of IU's Chemical Information Center, created to implement online searching of chemical databases and to assume operation of the IU dissemination of information services based on Chemical Abstracts…

Describes a laboratory course, modeled on the approach developed by Robert Karplus for physics laboratory courses, emphasizing discovery learning. (SK)

Offers an instructional approach to increase students' ability to employ mathematical operations as a means of physical measurement. (Author/JN)

Implications for science curriculum and instruction are addressed based on a comparison of attitudes of seventh- and eleventh-grade students toward the study of science as reported in the third assessment (science) of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (SK)

Reports that 84 percent of the secondary school biology texts surveyed (N=38) lack material dealing with the aging process. Argues that this is a serious omission and suggests several ways to incorporate the topic of aging into texts and classroom work. (DC)

A two-semester basic chemistry course for nonchemistry engineering majors is described. First semester provides introductory chemistry for freshmen while second semester is "customer-oriented," based on a departmental choice of three out of six independent modules. For example, aeronautical engineering "customers" would select…

Continues a discussion of philosophical issues and problems related to realism and instrumentalism (SE531658), focusing on implications for science curriculum/instruction. Proposes a view of science and scientific theory suitable for school science. (Author/JN)