In April 1990 a group of 30 educational researchers, sociologists, scientists, analysts, and fund agency staff convened for a meeting to discuss issues critical to science curriculum reform. The meeting, stimulated by national calls for science curriculum reform to prepare a scientifically literate citizenry, had as its objective to generate a…

Develops a more thorough rationale for the implementation of an interdisciplinary approach to science education. This rationale entails arguments stressing the need for education reform and summarizes the most viable approaches and important considerations in responding to that need. (JN)

Examines various issues related to the establishment of a core of physics studies at 16+ and 18+. Indicates that a core physics syllabus should be concerned with phenomena, theory, models, and applications and not with such topics as the use of a U tube manometer. (JN)

The eight case studies included in this volume were conducted during a major study of Canadian science education. The study was undertaken to establish a documented basis for describing the present purposes and general characteristics of science teaching in Canadian schools, to provide a historical analysis of science education in Canada, and to…

Reports on a study designed to elicit detailed views on the subject matter content for a biochemistry curriculum. Includes the questionnaire and mean results for each question, in which respondents were asked to indicate the importance of a subtopic, the actual coverage of that subtopic, and the "ideal" coverage. (TW)

During the past fifty years movements to reform science education have used the same ideas for changing the context of science teaching. Policies need to be established for identifying the knowledge and skills necessary for reformulating the science curriculum. (MD)

This is a summary of a seminar for changing the undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum in India. Identifies and describes biotechnology, materials for structural and microelectronic catalysis, and new separation processes as emerging areas. Evaluates the current curriculum, including basic science, engineering lore, chemical engineering,…

National Science Foundation support for instructional innovation in design curriculum is discussed. Programs that illustrate diverse approaches to teaching design are described. A list of programs given engineering curriculum development awards in 1988 and 1989 is provided. (CW)

Ohio's Model Competency-Based Science Program is designed to provide direction for school districts in developing local competency-based science education programs. This guidebook provides direction for those responsible for developing district science programs. Section 1 is an introduction to competency-based education that covers the spirit and…

The Secondary Science Curriculum Review (SSCR) was established in 1981 to consider implications of providing a broader and more balanced approach to science studies for all students aged 11 to 16 years, and to stimulate and support the development work required to enable schools to make appropriate curricular provision. This paper, addressed to…

In a study designed to determine the impact of state curriculum initiatives on curriculum framework, student assessment, and textbook adoption in the science curriculum, researchers interviewed state education agency staff, completed four case studies in four districts, and surveyed 100 school districts at random in each of the three diverse…

This book provides a retrospective account of the processes of curriculum development and evaluation of the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP), a venture which pioneered large-scale State-Commonwealth cooperation in education in Australia. The processes are described to identify practices for future curriculum initiatives. Important…

This report outlines the range of existing problems in science education and proposes that a modular based physical science curriculum would contribute to solving some of the identified problems and produce numerous advantages. The physical science curriculum will be divided into a "core" of fundamental modules (the absolute minimum…

Described is the proposed implementation of Scope, Sequence and Coordination into California and Houston schools. The rationale behind this project is discussed. The curriculum, arranged developmentally, merges different scientific subjects via discipline-bridging themes. (KR)

Presented is one approach to the reform of earth science education. Discussed are conceptual themes, the role of elementary school science, the development of positive science attitudes, selection of topics and the role of the geologist. (CW)