In 1981, Saskatchewan Education initiated a complete review of education in Saskatchewan. As a result of this review, the development of policies based on the concept of a core curriculum was recommended. In 1986, the report of the Core Curriculum Advisory Committee proposed a K-12 policy framework for Saskatchewan schools. In addition to a set of common essential learnings derived from the goals of education, several required areas of study were recommended as part of the core curriculum. Science education was one such designated area. This background paper was intended to provide guidance for curriculum development and implementation in science education and to anticipate social and educational change in order to create appropriate guidelines for future curriculum development. This thinking of science educators concerning future directions for science teaching in terms of the following: philosophical viewpoints, goals of science education, structure of science education, subject matter, learning experiences, instructional strategies, learning environment, individual differences, cultural differences, relationships with other subjects, relationships with general education goals and common essential learnings, evaluation methods, support systems, and postsecondary articulation. Appendices include position papers, frameworks, evaluation techniques, and guides from various other sources. A list of over 500 references is provided. (KR)