The purpose of this study was to develop, scale, and validate assessments in engineering, science, and mathematics with grade appropriate items that were sensitive to the curriculum developed by teachers. The use of item response theory to assess item functioning was a focus of the study. The work is part of a larger project focused on increasing…

Attempts to assess the impact of the NSF science curriculum projects have been generally unsatisfactory. Much of the NSF impact on science education will probably continue to defy quantification. Whether or not the new curricula achieve their goal of increasing scientific literacy among the public can only be evaluated over the lifetimes of the…

The purpose of this article is to focus on the development and refinement of a science instructional design program arguing for the feasibility and usability of integrated reading and science instruction as implemented in third- and fourth-grade science classrooms to meet the learning needs of diverse learners. These instructional components are…

This case study reviewed the collaborative efforts of university engineers, teacher educators, and middle school teachers to advance sixth- and seventh-grade students' learning through a series of project-based engineering activities. This two-year project enriched regular school curricula by introducing real-world applications of science and…

Discusses the need to determine the extent to which NSF-supported curriculum materials have been implemented. Reviews the Concerns Based Adoption Model and describes how science educators might use this model to understand and manage curriculum implementation processes. (DS)

Describes problems and successes in adapting Science Curriculum Improvement (SCIS) materials for use in the National College of Schweifat, located near Beirut, Lebanon. (CS)

Describes the Alternative Strategies and Services for Improving Science Teaching program of Iowa (Iowa-ASSIST). It represents a major effort for inservice education and science curriculum implementation in Iowa schools. The functioning model and the outcomes of the program are also discussed. (HM)

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…

Reports findings of a national evaluation of the Crustal Evolution Education Project focusing on student/teacher characteristics and student achievement and attitudes. Evaluation objectives, design of evaluation, instruments and methods of data collection are included. Directions developed for center coordinators/test teachers and samples of…

Discusses the need for curricular and instructional integration of science and mathematics. Describes some reports supporting integration and some curriculum projects that include integration. (YP)

The author poses problems and suggestions for possible solutions encountered in curriculum installation. (CP)

Argues to revise the method in which science history is presented in science curriculum materials, particularly the view of women scientists. (CP)

Discusses the content and structure of the secondary school science program "Time, Space and Matter," and responds to an earlier criticism of the program published in this journal. (JR)

Describes the content, evaluation, and operation of a high school physics course intended for college bound non-science majors. Discusses some advantages and challenges of contract learning. (CP)