Four middle/junior high school programs, winners in the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education are described. Programs focus on: (1) note-taking in the laboratory; (2) natural history expeditions; (3) environmental physical science (social and scientific ecological studies); and (4) use of teaching teams…

In this article, we describe a simplified approach to teach students to assess information obtained from diverse sources. Three broad categories (credibility, content, and currency; 3C) were used to evaluate information from textbooks, monographs, popular magazines, scholarly journals, and the World Wide Web. This 3C approach used in an inquiry…

Discusses aims of and proposed programs at the Institute for Chemical Education. Aims include developing creative ideas to convey chemical knowledge, improving interdisciplinary links, and addressing critical issues in chemical education. One program proposed is designed to help science teachers at all levels develop K-12 chemistry supplements.…

Described is a science education program at Loyola University, Chicago designed for nonscience majors. Discussed are rationale for course offerings and course content. Emphasized is the need to reveal the nature of science and methods by which information is gained and theories formulated, rather than science content alone. (CS)

The FIPSE-funded Science and Self-Determination Project at the University of Colorado at Boulder (established through the American Indian Educational Opportunity Program) was threefold. The project was: (1) to provide a month-long summer science/math institute on the university campus for 35 Native American Secondary students from a 10-state…

Describes an archaeology program identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education project as an outstanding science program. Program objectives (including attention to research detail, interpretation, deduction, and interrelationships of different disciplines) and student activities are…

Describes chemistry courses offered as part of a residential summer enrichment program held at the University of Northern Colorado. A list of elementary and advanced chemistry activities completed during the courses is included. (JN)

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…

Computer programs were developed for a science center nutrition exhibit. The exhibit was recognized by the National Science Teachers Association Search for Excellence in Science Education as an outstanding science program. The computer programs (Apple II) and their use in the exhibit are described. (BC)

Research and technology in the Federal Republic of Germany enjoy international distinction in many fields; indeed, German achievements in highly important areas have set new standards and influenced research and development world wide. This applies in equal measure to the natural sciences, the humanities and, in particular, to the applied…

The Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) project gives national recognition to outstanding science programs. Descriptions of five high school physics programs selected by SESE are provided. Unique aspects of the programs, instructional strategies, and other areas are included. (BC)

The 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education project has identified 12 exemplary programs in elementary school science. Descriptions of the programs and the criteria used in their selection are presented. Chapter 1 reviews four goal clusters (developed during Project Synthesis) related to the desired state in elementary school science.…

Describes the Henrico County (VA) Public School System's astronomy program, identified as an outstanding program by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education project. Unique aspects of the astronomy program, instructional strategies used, and program activities are discussed. (BC)

The FIPSE-funded Science and Self-Determination Project was conceptualized as a response to help alleviate the critical need for Native American scientists who would be able to deal with issues and concerns both within and outside of the Native American community. Objectives of the Science and Self-Determination Project were to prepare…

Describes Salt Lake City's (Utah) East High School science club, recognized by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence in Science Education project as an outstanding science program. Unique aspects of the club's activities, instructional strategies, and other areas are discussed. (BC)