Some of the major concerns regarding competency-based education (CBE) and ways of dealing with them are discussed. CBE is viewed as an opportunity for educators to work for real improvement in the teaching and learning process. (MP)

Describes three perspectives from which middle school teachers can plan laboratory activities for the purpose of improving students' scientific literacy. Perspectives are the learning cycle approach categorizing activities by stages of development; problem-solving skills approach categorizing activities according to the amount of teacher control;…

Discusses the nature of technological literacy, considering its relationship to science education, mathematics education, and computer science education. Indicates that technological literacy is a skill and an attitude which is basic to contemporary society. Problems related to cognitive development are noted. (JN)

Offers a rationale for science education that utilizes a science-technology-society (STS) framework. The recommended STS framework can give meaning to efforts to define a K-12 science curriculum, to describe appropriate teaching behaviors and desirable student actions, and to formulate meaningful research questions. (JN)

Some of the literature related to preschool mathematical experiences and their effect on the development of how the child perceives the relationships of mathematics is reviewed. (MP)

Discussed is an approach to learning in which students are given the opportunity to discuss and rationalize the conflict between the students' existing misconceptions and the phenomenon to be studied. Curriculum materials for a unit on acids and bases were developed using this strategy. (KR)

Describes an activities approach to the Man-Made World that is organized as a series of mini-courses to enable disadvantaged and unmotivated students to achieve a degree of technological literacy. (GS)

This review discusses instructional materials as the physical media through which the intents of the curriculum are experienced. Studies of innovative science curricula are considered, as well as the role of textbooks. (MNS)

The goal of this article is to identify and disseminate several important messages from recent research on formal thought. Reasoning by adolescents, measurement of Piagetian formal reasoning, the importance of additional factors, stages, and working memory are discussed. (MNS)

This discussion is primarily designed to increase teachers' awareness of Piaget's theory of cognitive development and implications for mathematics in the middle school. It is hoped such awareness will compel instructors to adopt strategies that help pupils gain more from mathematical experiences, by providing impetus for innovation and…

The article discusses observing and quantifying as basic skills, presents a model for dealing with problems, and suggests seven activities which range from kindergarten to twelfth-grade level. (MK)

Reasons for the development of middle schools and characteristics of middle school students are discussed. Students' physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are considered, with references to research evidence. (MNS)

Some possible uses of math lab materials and activities that are natural and appropriate to the development of process skills are explored through a discussion of a geoboard activity. (MP)

The need for nutrition education to be given higher priority in science instruction in today's world is promoted. Nutrition is viewed as a significant problem for all persons in a personal sense and in a societal sense. (MP)

Presents a series of activities intended to enable teachers to determine if children are ready to be introduced to the concept of speed. Reviews Piaget's theories and the empirical evidence on which the sequence is based. (Author/CP)