Science teaching in elementary schools, or the lack thereof, continues to be an area of concern and criticism. Preservice elementary teachers' lack of confidence in teaching science is a major part of this problem. In this mixed-methods study, we report the impacts of an inquiry-based science course on preservice elementary teachers' self-efficacy…

Describes the results of a curriculum-aligned assessment comprising selected items from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS). The assessment was administered to fifth grade students involved in a local systemic change project to address questions such as, How does the performance of students involved in the project compare…

Offers a rationale for science education that utilizes a science-technology-society (STS) framework. The recommended STS framework can give meaning to efforts to define a K-12 science curriculum, to describe appropriate teaching behaviors and desirable student actions, and to formulate meaningful research questions. (JN)

Chemical education in the People's Republic of China is examined by looking at a university entrance examination and the study guide used in preparation for this examination. (MK)

Described is science education's role in the back to the basics movement. Science education is described as providing opportunities for the development of (1) logical structures, (2) the understanding of the scientific processes, and (3) the development of creative problem solving techniques. (Author/DS)

Most articles on creationism focus on whether or not creationism should be included in science courses, on equal footing with evolutionary theory. However, positive influences that the debate can have on biology teaching should also be considered, this could lead to a deeper understanding of evolution and of science itself. (Author/JN)

The Learning Environmental Inventory is promoted as a tool that has been used extensively to ascertain differences in class environment and how student environment perceptions relate to achievement and attitude. It's felt that teachers can improve their classrooms through careful use of the instrument and application of knowledge gained. (MP)

The interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curriculum at the experimental high school on the Sde Boker campus of Ben Gurion University in the Negev, Israel, is described. It is viewed as a worldwide model available to academic communities to study the impact of environment on survival of all living things. (MP)

Avi Hofstein and Robert E. Yager recently published "Societal Issues as Organizers for Science Education in the 80's" (EJ 273 207). Objections to their thesis are discussed indicating, among others, that their suggestions would be counterproductive to their stated goals and open to dangerous manipulation by anti-scientific factions and social…

Offers a defense of societal issues as organizers for school science programs in response to criticisms of this thesis discussed in SE 534 649. Indicates that there appears to be no evidence that using nontraditional topics as organizers will make science more subject to manipulation and perversion. (JN)

Effects of the request for equal time (to teach creationist viewpoint) on science curriculum/instruction and teacher credibility are discussed. Uses examples from earth science to illustrate possible effects of a recent creationist bill, Maryland House Bill 1078. (JN)

A call is made for the integration of science and social studies education in elementary and secondary schools. Examples are given of situations where instruction has been integrated over the two areas. It is felt instruction can be provided which focuses on problem solving and decision making. (MP)

Described is a series of two-day Elementary Science Awareness Conferences, funded by the National Science Foundation for science supervisors and general elementary supervisors in North Carolina. The goals for these conferences are discussed. (Author/DS)

Describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by the Biology Critical Thinking project (BCT). Presents the project guidelines for developing activities, a list of skills selected as goals of BCT, instruments used in determining effectiveness of the activities, results of the pilot study, and a sample activity involving vitamins. (MDH)

Examines issues and developments surrounding early National Science Foundation (NSF) curriculum projects, providing a conceptual basis for understanding present science education issues on re-education of teachers and redesigning science curricula. The scientific community had great control on the NSF projects but did not consider new…