Japan has no formal educational system for gifted children. However, in 2005, Japan's Cabinet approved and established the third Science and Technology Basic Plan (2006-10), which includes "nurturing the individuality and ability of gifted ("sainou" in Japanese) children." Enforcement of this plan is exemplified in programs…

While science education and popularization by means of print media developed in quite similar forms in many nations, the advent of radio resulted in initiatives to bring science on the air that were rather heterogeneous from country to country. The German case stands out with respect to quantity, variety and ambition, and also for its special…

Suggests that the new context for school science focuses on the real world, real people, and real issues. Areas considered include current problems in science education, the need for a new context, recommendations for a K-12 science curriculum, the science/technology/society (STS) movement, and STS curricula and programs. (JN)

Current national concern for science education is analyzed in this article. In response to recent commission reports and changes in science education perspective, a new focus for science teacher education is offered. (DF)

Describes primary science education in Australia from the 1960s to the present. Suggests what changes should be made in the primary science curriculum and how these changes could be implemented. (DS)

Traces and diagrammatically illustrates significant events and practices in elementary school science since 1942. Identifies notable achievements, indicates problem areas, and highlights developments which have contributed to the improvement of elementary school science. (ML)

This newsletter reports on the status of biology education in the United States. It states that biology has entered its "golden age" because of the emergence of biotechnology, ecology, agricultural productivity, and human biology as major societal issues. This report discusses the status of the informal national curriculum of biology, involving…

Reviews historical and current patterns in chemistry instruction, listing influences on chemistry curriculum development and identifying change elements in science education. Enumerates major advances in the nature of chemistry and the subsequent impact on school chemistry. (ML)

Discusses the current status and future direction of science at liberal arts colleges. Summarizes findings of a conference attended by leaders of 50 private colleges and small universities on college science. States that students from small colleges fare well in later science endeavors. (ML)

Various responses to the current crisis in science and technology education have been initiated, including federal aid, responses from industry and professional organizations, and introduction of more than 30 bills into Congress. Reasons suggested for the crisis include the three ideas that defined the curriculum and instruction foci of the 1960s:…

Presents results of survey on the current status of energy education conducted for the Department of Energy at the end of the 1981-82 school year. Information about how energy is taught, and what factors (including time, texts, and other materials) promoting or preventing adoption of energy education materials was gathered. (JM)

Hydrology is the science dealing with the earth's waters, their occurrence, circulation, and distribution, their chemical and physical properties, and their reaction with the environment. As such, hydrology is an indispensible requirement for planning in the field of water resources. Objectives for, spectrum of, and topics for education in…

This report discusses the development and implementation of programs in Asia and the Pacific which focus on "Science for All." The major objective of "Science for All" is to provide everyone in these areas with the scientific competencies, knowledge, and skills appropriate to their immediate needs to help eradicate poverty,…

Describes the priorities and programs supported by the new assistant director for science and engineering education at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Collaboration among academic institutions and the private sector, teacher training efforts, and scientist/engineer professional involvement are stressed. (DH)

Provided are edited background papers prepared for a Meeting of Experts on the Incorporation of Science and Technology in the Primary School Curriculum. Papers are organized into four major sections. Section 1 is concerned with such topics as the rationale and objectives of science and technology in primary schools, selection of appropriate…