Integrated STEM education within North America has become a popular pedagogy; however, teachers identify challenges that arise when planning for and implementing integrated STEM education. These challenges may threaten STEM teachers' capacity to balance disciplinary and integrated learning, a core feature of effective STEM education. The purpose…

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…

Policymakers and industry leaders are calling for a 21st century education that is more interdisciplinary in nature, including the ability to solve problems and think creatively. Traditional teaching practices that present subjects as separate and distinct disciplines do not encourage students to make connections between subjects in school and in…

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…

In light of recent reform documents in science and mathematics, all teachers need to think more carefully about the importance, meaning, and nature of the outcomes students are to achieve. Further suggests that teachers must critically analyze any discrepancies between what they advocate instructionally and what exists in the professional…

The elementary school science curriculum program, Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS), was investigated to determine effects upon students' attitudes toward science and perception of the science instruction. The data show favorable results. (MP)

Discussed is an approach to learning in which students are given the opportunity to discuss and rationalize the conflict between the students' existing misconceptions and the phenomenon to be studied. Curriculum materials for a unit on acids and bases were developed using this strategy. (KR)

Describes a reform effort for the undergraduate curriculum utilizing action-based research teams that developed, implemented, and assessed constructivist approaches to teaching undergraduate science content. Results indicate that the collaborative action-based research process was effective in contributing to the reform of undergraduate teaching.…

Reviews the implications which the advent of the computer has for mathematics education in instruction, learning, and curriculum. The activities described are either representative of those occurring at present or very shortly to be realized. (PR)

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)

It is felt a clearly defined and carefully planned curriculum must be used to avoid wasting the talents of the gifted youngster. Four curriculum models are presented. These are the: (1) Acceleration Model; (2) Breadth/Depth Model; (3) Topics Model, and (4) Enrichment Model. Examples of applications of each are noted. (MP)

A review of mathematics curriculum reform stresses the integration of new ideas with old practices in order to produce a better program. The author identifies four "basics" and examines how they relate to the curriculum. (MP)

Presents a practical model for planning and implementing a field trip as an integral part of the science curriculum. Reviews the literature related to the role of field trips in the learning process; describes the model; and provides an example implementing the learning cycle method. (Contains 17 references.) (MDH)

Provided is a unit which relates the fulcrum of a lever system and the mean of a distribution of scores. The objective, rationale, two student laboratories, and an evaluation system are outlined. Content background on statistics is offered. (MVL)

Proposes methods to improve scientific literacy in the United States by integrating science, mathematics, and technology in instruction that combines subject matter and pedagogical knowledge. Suggests seven steps leading to scientific literacy. (MDH)