This Evaluation Brief examines the BSCS approach to improving secondary science education, and illuminates some of the lessons learned from its five years of work with districts across the nation. It highlights selected findings from the full study report and discusses the broader implications for the field. Specifically, this Brief examines the…

Biomimicry is an interdisciplinary science in which scientists look for solutions to human needs in nature. It endeavors to discover answers from the molecular, or material level, all the way up to the interrelationships, or systems level. The purpose of this review of the literature is to demonstrate the need and potential application of this new…

This guide is intended to provide educators responsible for selecting elementary science curriculum materials for high ability learners with both quantitative and qualitative assessment data for 27 science curricula or materials. The review process attempted to balance sound practices of curriculum development (using standards required for any…

Discusses integrating occupational health and safety engineering topics into existing engineering course work. Describes three models for integration and a procedure to assess the integration. (YP)

This article analyzes how science classes carry ideological elements and how that has ethical and deontological consequences with respect to science teaching. Provided are some examples of ideologizing, presenting a worldview, biased contents, and biased image of science. (YP)

A program to expand and improve magnet schools in Texas' Austin Independent School District (AISD) was funded by the U.S. Department of Education in 1985-1986. Results of the program were: (1) increased and more stable enrollments in magnet elementary schools; (2) large achievement gains in readings, mathematics and science for students in a high…

A program to expand and improve magnet schools in the Austin Independent School District (AISD) was funded by the U.S. Department of Education in 1985-1986. Results of the program were: (1) increased and more stable enrollments in magnet elementary schools; (2) large achievement gains in reading, mathematics and science for students in a high…

For the primary eye care practitioner in the 1990s and beyond, the basic biomedical sciences have supplanted physiological optics as the primary academic discipline underlying the practice of optometry. Several curriculum development options are available to incorporate the needed material, but a core curriculum is essential at all institutions.…

Examines the role of ecology in science instruction and offers suggestions for integrating it into an existing curriculum. Discusses the value of field work and explains the different approaches and difficulties associated with ecological field studies. Highlights the advantages of using the local environment. (ML)

This volume is for science educators who are concerned about exploring what it means to promote science literacy for all, equity and excellence, and standards-based reform. A hard look is taken at science education reform efforts and the issues it raises for learners who differ along gender, socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, linguistic lines, or…

The Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--investigated the questions and explanations primary children have about rocks. Data were collected during teaching sessions from New Zealand students (ages 8-11) and Australian students (ages 10-11). The teaching sessions required the teacher to create a situation in which children generated some…

The topic of metals is frequently taught in primary schools. However, when metals are suggested as one of a series of topics for study, students often initially show little enthusiasm for the topic. To determine the ideas that children have about metals the Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--interviewed thirty-eight 9- to 10-year-old…

Described is a curriculum survey of general chemistry courses at the college level and an evaluation survey of the advanced placement chemistry examination. Results indicated that the AP chemistry course should remain broad in coverage and should expand its laboratory component. Analyses also indicated that the AP exam was appropriate and valid.…

Analyzes efforts by school districts reorganizing science curricula in Illinois. Describes state goals for Illinois: Knowledge and Vocabulary; Science-Technology-Society; Scientific Enterprise; and Science Process. Discusses how school districts emphasize the 4 state goals for grades 3, 6, 8, and 11. (YP)

The Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--investigated the questions and explanations primary children have about spiders. The data comprise 112 questions and 104 explanations (included in appendices) offered by children after being shown a picture of a spider. Additional data were collected during individual interviews with 18 students.…