The core practice of professional scientists is inquiry, often referred to as research. If educators are to prepare students for a role in the professional scientific and technological community, exposing them to inquiry-based learning is essential. Despite this, inquiry-based teaching and learning (IBTL) remains relatively rare, possibly due to…

This guide is meant to assist mentors and advisors in understanding how they might help students identify and respond to the challenges of becoming scientists or engineers. The guide--intended for faculty members, teachers, administrators, and others who advise and mentor students of science and engineering--attempts to summarize features that are…

Since the "National Science Education Standards" were published in 1996, it has become apparent that the standards did not provide sufficient guidance on the key topics needed for implementation. Assessment was identified as a topic requiring more detail and guidance, as well as scientific inquiry, technology in the science curriculum,…

Science education standards are criteria by which to judge the quality of what students know and are able to do, of the science programs that provide the opportunity for students to learn science, of science teaching, of the system that supports science teachers and programs, and of assessment practices and policies. This document summarizes the…

This report provides an analysis of the Eisenhower Professional Development program. It briefly considers the educational context within which the 103d Congress acted to convert the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Act into the current program covering a much broader array of subject areas and briefly reviews the structure of…

This book presents multiple assessment formats and strategies appropriate for inquiry activities for both indoor and outdoor education. Chapters 5-8 feature examples of disciplinary assessment practices for biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Other contents include: (1) "A Rationale for Assessment"; (2) "Developing New Assessment";…

This document responds to the need for more people to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to lead and support changes in how science and mathematics are taught in classrooms, schools, and districts. This document is a set of learning activities that helps those supporting reform efforts to deepen their knowledge about science and…

This book is designed to provide elementary science teachers with practical ideas for putting the vision of the National Science Education Standards into action in the classroom. The first three and last two chapters discuss the Standards that apply to teachers of all grade levels: (1) Teaching; (2) Professional Development; (3) Assessment; (4)…

Because the key agent in mathematics and science reform is the teacher, this issue of the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC) Focus highlights professional development. Whatever curriculum change is adopted in a school district, whatever new textbook series is chosen, it is through the teacher that the…

Described are the rationales for the Engineering Practices Introductory Course Sequence (EPICS) program at the Colorado School of Mines, and the McMaster Problem-Solving (MPS) program at McMaster University. The professional development model used in these programs is discussed. (CW)

The 422 Presidential Science Honorees (1980-86) participated in a Delphi study composed of two surveys regarding their professional reading patterns including science education journals, general education journals, science indexes, and general education indexes. Demographic information about the respondents is provided. (Author/YP)

Descriptions and implications of five stages of professional development of science teachers are provided. Behavioral characteristics for each stage are stressed. (CW)

The Internet and the Information Super Highway have become familiar buzz words. This paper briefly discusses five projects with the general aim of using telecommunications and the Internet to foster the renewal of math and science education in rural schools. The broad questions, "Does access to the Internet and the Information Superhighway…

FOUNDATIONS is a monograph series intended for those working to better science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. This volume examines opportunities and challenges for those on the front lines of science education in elementary and middle schools. Designed as a resource for teachers and administrators who have not yet…

Discussed are the objectives, program development, program operation, seminar format, topics, faculty participation, attendance, and pitfalls and problems associated with this seminar series. A list of selected titles is provided. (CW)