The importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has gained national attention in recent years, with educators, policymakers, and others advocating for greater participation and enhanced performance in STEM in order to bolster the U.S. economy and provide greater national security. This brief summarizes several pieces of…

This book shares the lessons learned by a large community of educational researchers and science teachers as they designed, developed, and investigated a new technology-enhanced learning environment known as WISE: The Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment. WISE offers a collection of free, customizable curriculum projects on topics central to the…

Discussed are some of the issues which were considered when the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry revised its guide to notation in physical chemistry. Included are the choice between SI and non-SI units and choosing sensible names and symbols for quantities. (CW)

Descriptions of eight exemplary precollege earth science programs are presented. The programs were locally developed, nontext based, and having an extensive laboratory component. The programs emphasize societal issues involving aspects of earth sciences. (CW)

Described are efforts of the Open University (United Kingdom) to retrain physics teachers using distance learning strategies. Discussed are the teacher shortage, the program design, styles of delivery, group activities, content, teacher types, and the National Curriculum. (CW)

Discusses the computer's role in schools comparing past expectations with present status. Summarizes the constructionist approach and an opponent's claim. Provides eight examples of innovative approaches for using computers in school. (YP)

This publication has been prepared to provide scientific divers with guidance on safe practice under varying experimental and environmental conditions. The Code offers advice and recommendations on administrative practices, insurance, terms of employment, medical standards, training standards, dive planning, safety with different breathing gases…

Reviewed are six programs at different colleges and universities which provide research opportunities for undergraduate students in physics, astronomy, marine biology, meteorology, and anthropology. Background, features, and accomplishments of the programs are discussed. (CW)

Addresses whether or not science laboratory activities should become a thing of the past. Discusses the impact of the curriculum reforms of the 1960s and 1970s, physical restraints which cause teacher overload, rationale, and objectives of laboratory work. (RT)

Discussed are the background, objectives, statement of need, target population, program activity, budget, staffing, funding, problems, and evaluation of the project. Suggestions for the initiation of analogous programs are provided. (CW)

Presented are the highlights and an analysis of The Neal Report on undergraduate science education. Included are an overview of the report and discussions and recommendations on laboratories; curriculum; industry/academic coupling; centers for instructional research and development; faculty exchange; teaching internships; and undergraduate women,…

Described is an application of educational technology that serves 700 students enrolled in 7 biology courses. Audiovisual and computer-assisted instruction are included. The integration of interactive audio with computer software is highlighted. (CW)

Discusses the rapid increase in interest in biotechnology. Emphasizes the implications for inservice training of teachers. Describes a means of producing a modular course which may be flexibly used for inservice work. Focuses on improving the background knowledge of teachers, giving relevant practice experience and considering various teaching…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term, multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction"…

There is evidence that more boys than girls have experience in activities related to science and mathematics outside of school and that there are a number of kinds of interventions that can sustain girls' interest and participation in science and mathematics. What is missing is a theoretical explanation for the phenomenon that more boys than girls…