This study examines shifts in science teachers' (N = 15) beliefs and practices within the context of a research-practice partnership (RPP) that developed and implemented curriculum modules in middle school science classrooms. Interview, document, and observation data gathered over the course of the project indicate that the vast majority of…

This article presents a study exploring the beliefs, knowledge, and practices of four middle and secondary science teachers participating in a collaborative curriculum action research project. Using a case study methodology, the views and practices of these teachers were described and analyzed as they investigated novel ideas about scientific…

School curriculum and its impact on teaching and learning have received more and more research attention both in the United States and in the international context. For example, the Third International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS) took curriculum and its different forms in the process of curriculum transformation as a guideline to…

This review discusses instructional materials as the physical media through which the intents of the curriculum are experienced. Studies of innovative science curricula are considered, as well as the role of textbooks. (MNS)

The need for nutrition education to be given higher priority in science instruction in today's world is promoted. Nutrition is viewed as a significant problem for all persons in a personal sense and in a societal sense. (MP)

In a survey conducted in Iowa, 136 teachers responded to a 52-item questionnaire to evaluate energy education workshops they attended, identify beliefs and practices concerning energy education, and identify perceived knowledge needed in energy education. Materials to create more student involvement in lessons was the top-rated need. (MNS)

It is noted there are few reported studies on programs that focus on parents and their middle-school children learning science together. Details of a zoo course are provided as well as data from a survey designed to find out what other courses could be taught in a similar manner. (MP)

An integrated physical science course of approximately 40 instructional hours for eighth graders is described. The materials and text were prepared in accordance with the overall program for secondary school science drawn up by the Israeli Ministry of Education. (Author/MK)

Studies on science course improvement projects are synthesized, with reactions from several professional organizations. Other reports from the mid-1980s are noted. A brief summary of research findings is provided, with a longer discussion on the impetus for change, the conditions needed for change, and who decides. (MNS)

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)

The need for a philosophic base to provide direction for science curriculum development and instruction is discussed. The history of philosophies of science is traced, followed by an extended discussion of a "new" philosophy and its implications for the curriculum. (MNS)

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…

Results of a study to determine the status of environmental education in Kansas public schools is presented. The investigation points out the need for a statewide coordination effort, by pointing out the disparity between rural and metropolitan programs. (MP)

The view presented is that many elementary teachers do not understand the nature of science, how the skills are useful in everyday life, and of how science content is involved in many human endeavors. Integrating science with other disciplines is thought to have potential for improving the quality and quantity of science instruction. (MP)