Using Project Synthesis as an example of qualitative synthesis research in science education, discusses the characteristics of such research: using research teams to provide perspectives and viewpoints; using variety of data sources; including a conceptual scheme for accomplishing synthesis; and concluding with, among others, an analysis of…

Visits to six school districts which were identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence program were made during 1983 by teams of 17 researchers. Their reports were analyzed in search for common characteristics that can explain the requirements necessary for excellent science programs. These characteristics are…

Analysis of curriculum reform efforts of the 1960s is presented. Failure to state the problems and to engage all those interested, involved, and affected is noted by author. Instead of proceeding with the same tactics and using the same rationale for new reforms, a rationale for focusing upon instructional goals and enlarging the research and…

Discusses survey results which focused on changes in service club members' perception of the science curriculum. Responses indicated an increase in the acceptance of the Project Synthesis goals between the years 1982 and 1984. (ML)

Describes the Iowa science-technology-society (STS) models and goals. Characterizes and gives examples of using the STS approach in classrooms. Reports the results of four studies that have assessed the outcomes of learning with STS instruction. Identifies some problems concerning the future use of STS in schools. (PR)

Results of six original studies are extracted for comparison in three ways. These are summaries of: (1) reported problems of various groups of science educators; (2) solutions proposed by these same groups to the problems facing science education; and (3) recommendations for future directions. A synthesis of the recommendations focuses on four…

Described are the dimensions of the perceived crises in science education as described by responses from 28 science educators (see SE 528 242). Also discussed are some proposed solutions. Areas of crises and solutions include administration, research, science content and theory, and learning. (Authors/DS)

From an analysis of 11 textbooks for science-technology-society (STS) subjects, it was found that less than 7% of the narrative space is devoted to STS topics, with a range of 11.5% to 0.5%. The coverage of STS topics decreases as grade level increases. (PR)

Analysis of an open-ended survey of 144 university and school science educators resulted in identification of six major problem areas: conceptual, organizational, teacher-related, student-related, university-centered, and societal. (Author)

Examined learning in science concepts, process, application, creativity, attitude, and world view of students participating in the Iowa-Scope, Sequence, and Coordination (SS&C) project, part of the national reform effort using the Science-Technology-Society approach and Constructivist teaching practices. Found significant differences in…

Describes and examines the effects of the eight-week Summer Science Training Program at the University of Iowa. There was no significant differences between students who had completed high school physics and those who had not on the final course examination, course grade, and attitudes toward physics. (Author/YP)

This report focuses on the proposals, materials, programs produced, and the results that occur when new teachers and their students become involved with exemplary science materials and with teachers judged to be exemplary. This project enrolled exceptional teachers who could work together in class groups with some common purpose as to science…

Science educators (N=28) were asked to indicate whether 23 policy statements and 24 corresponding statements of needed research (appearing in "Crisis in Science Education") represented a critical need, a definite need or a low priority need. Statements seen as critically important by one-half or more respondents are listed and discussed.…

Discusses the need for a science-technology-society (STS) approach in science classroom and describes the characteristics of exemplary STS programs. Lists five domains for STS goals and indicates assessment instruments for the domains. (YP)

Discusses the importance of implementing new approaches in science teaching which will elevate citizen concerns to science-related issues confronting society. Outlines a biology application course designed to counteract current problems in this area. (RT)