Discusses some of the problems faced by technical advisors implementing projects for the improvement of science education in Africa and reasons for these problems. Problem areas considered include underdevelopment, underestimating the process, finances, personality conflict and motivation, and opposition from key groups. (A list of major UNESCO…

Describes the reordering of a ninth-grade physics course that aimed at making core concepts clear to the students while at the same time developing students' skills and depth of understanding. Discusses its benefits and associated problems. (JRH)

Reports results of several studies of the learning environment of secondary science classes using Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) materials. Indicates many desired changes, such as higher levels of pupil activity. (MLH)

Discusses important tenets of the Scope Sequence and Coordination (SS&C) project and presents the SS&C high school project designed specifically to achieve the National Science Education Standards. Specifies the scope, sequence, and coordination of the natural sciences in grades 9 through 12 in support of general goals taken from the…

A field trip to a science activity center in Southwest England for secondary school students is described. (BB)

Describes the evaluation and revision of the O-level Nuffield chemistry student and teacher curriculum materials. Includes a discussion of the rationale for the evaluation process and the methodology used. (JN)

Describes the development of the Nuffield chemistry curriculum materials by chemistry teachers and how these materials were received and used by a much larger and representative group of the profession. Includes comments on teaching Nuffield chemistry, the Nuffield examination, and on Nuffield chemistry outside of Great Britain. (JN)

Describes the philosophy, development, content structure, and general instructional strategy of BioCom, an introductory biology curriculum for the heterogeneously mixed high school science classroom. Discusses recent recommendations by national commissions and science education research and similarities and differences between BioCom and ChemCom.…

Proposes the use of schoolyard activities as a viable alternative to extended field trips for field investigations in biology. Describes and provides examples of different approaches including a problem oriented technique, Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies (OBIS), and a sourcebook sponsored by the Council for Elementary Science…

Discusses various aspects of the human sciences program, including its modular format, activity-centered orientation, personalized approach, interdisciplinary nature, and flexibility in packaging. Descriptions are made for four modules within the program. (CS)

Detailed are the origins, development, and implementation of the Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP). This group has produced, for use in earth science and other classes in grades 8-10, a series of instructional modules based on current scientific research in the composition, history, and processes of the earth's crust. (BT)

Describes a high school biology course using 17 learning activity packages for individualized instruction based on the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Yellow Version. Topics discussed in detail include the learning activity packages, the use of computers, and evaluation of the program. (CS)

The study of science involves learning the processes of science as well as its content. The recent revival of interest in developing thinking skills has encouraged added emphasis on process skills instruction. A science teacher wanting to add instruction of process skills is faced with several problems: (1) texts and lab manuals are not likely to…

Traces changes made in teaching about energy in science classes during the last 30 years. Emphasizes the need to better relate science to society and the environment. Outlines the general format and sample activities from the "Science in Society" project as an example. (DC)

Discusses a teaching method using investigational skills for Nuffield A-level Physics including assessment technique, change of the assessment criteria, advice for choosing the topic, and future development. (YP)