Prize-winning scientist and bestselling author James Trefil explains why every U.S. citizen needs to be "scientifically literate" and, therefore, why schools must teach the fundamental principles of scientific literacy to every student. He lays out those principles straightforwardly, so that educators--and everyone who is interested in…

The impact of science on society is examined in this publication's coverage of a series of public lectures that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Edited versions of four speeches are presented which address the impact of science on society from the time of humanity's first significant…

Discusses some issues that have long been claimed as the exclusive province of the humanities, such as brotherhood and belonging, the sense of beauty, and the meaning of human. Suggests how a knowledge of science can contribute to understanding. (YP)

This paper discusses the physical principles behind the flying ability of both kites and airplanes. This background material was developed for a program in which a Japanese kite maker conducts kite making and flying classes in the Japan School District Elementary Schools of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), Pacific Region. The…

Discussed is whether scientists should take responsibility for the social consequences of their discoveries. Reviewed is the role to which the "modern" playwright assigns scientists in modern society and what might realistically be a role that scientists and scientific societies should play in the modern world. (KR)

Designed to provide a broader and more encompassing approach to science studies, this book contains perspectives on science and its impact on culture. It consists of a series of discrete essays which focus on the interaction of science with religion, philosophy, and lifestyle. Each essay begins with a series of quotations and questions which are…

Reports results of a public opinion survey aimed at measuring the general public's understanding of scientific concepts, and acceptance of scientific paradigms. Assessment and analysis by science and society experts is provided. (JM)

Discusses how the reputation of "Principia" was created and maintained. Indicates the difficulties of identifying a single unambiguous meaning for the text. Shows that knowledge of Sir Isaac Newton makes little difference to understanding the later impact of the work. (CW)

This paper urges educators of deaf students to make a greater effort to teach science conceptually to foster real understanding and produce scientifically literate students. The state of science education in general, and for deaf students specifically, is reviewed. Recommendations stress process-oriented teaching, cooperative learning, and…

To be effective in promoting scientific literacy, science teachers must be well prepared in their subject areas, have a firm understanding of the nature of science, and stay abreast of current technological advances affecting society. Science teachers must engage students in the science revolution by relating it to their lives. (AF)

Major concepts can help create thinking frameworks that are powerful enough to make additional input more meaningful. As a result, the content is richer, more diverse, and more widely applicable. This set of concept papers was produced because concepts are not uniformly understood by practitioners. Each is designed to introduce a concept and to…

Intended to aid teachers of high ability elementary students in understanding the key components and generalizations that are critical to specific science concepts, this document contains eight papers addressing broad concepts common to many branches of science and teaching principles. A paper on the nature of the scientific process precedes six…

This annotated bibliography is offered as a resource tool for literary scholars, historians of science, and historians of ideas. Annually since 1939, a bibliography of scholarship on the relations of literature and science has been compiled by the Modern Language Association. The present bibliography incorporates the work of the annual…

This document was created to establish competency goals and objectives for teaching and learning science in North Carolina for grades K-12. It contains the concepts and theories, strands, skills, and processes upon which all science instruction should be based. In addition, the curriculum defines and illustrates the connections between the…

This guide provides an introduction to the major issues and literature of science in society. The book is divided into four parts: (1) "The Nature of Science"; (2) "The Nature of Technology"; (3) "Humans in the Environment"; and (4) "Current Issues in Science." The first part covers a history of science technology are covered in the second. In the…