A project is described wherein the major activity is assistance to schools for implementing or revising science curriculum programs in Iowa schools. Programs emphasized include all grade levels. Assistance is provided in the areas of mathematics and social studies as well as science. A K-12 Environmental Studies Program was developed by the…

In 1978, Iowa began a program of assessing conditions and designing statewide plans for comprehensive school health education. Curriculum tools were developed and put into use. The program is described and evaluated. (MT)

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)

Using Project Synthesis as an example of qualitative synthesis research in science education, discusses the characteristics of such research: using research teams to provide perspectives and viewpoints; using variety of data sources; including a conceptual scheme for accomplishing synthesis; and concluding with, among others, an analysis of…

Since 1983, funding for improving math and science education has improved dramatically. This article explains three major reform programs: Project 2061, sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Scope, Sequence, and Coordination, sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association; and Science/Technology/Society,…

States that students often enter college with few problem-solving skills. Urges colleges to offer appropriate skills-building courses to students as well as to school personnel, since they will be counseling students on financial aid and other issues. Asserts that, by integrating problem-solving skills into the curriculum, students will be better…

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)

Compares aspects of creativity in science between students enrolled in concept-oriented classes and those enrolled in issue-oriented classes. Focuses on student outcomes and creativity. Shows that science teachers were convinced of the necessity for middle school science teachers to be portrayed as supporting students' exploration, explanation,…

Reviews four studies that provide empirical evidence in favor of the STS approach for students and teachers. Finds a positive effect from STS across the entire curriculum. (Author)

This program is called Project ASSIST. ASSIST is an acronym for Alternative Strategies and Services for Improving Science Teaching. ASSIST is involved in teacher education (both inservice and preservice), student programs, and community relations. The model consists of five levels: (1) the coordinating staff; (2) the consulting and advisory…

Discusses areas of agreement among science education reformers and addresses fundamental problems if real reform is to emerge. Suggests the science-technology-society (STS) approach for improving the teaching and learning of science. (KHR)

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)

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…

Discusses one component of the Iowa Distance Education Alliance that encouraged science reform through distance education using the Iowa Communications Network. Topics include curriculum and school reform, learning processes, student engagement and involvement, constructivism, the use of interactive television for distance education, and the Iowa…

Article discussed the development of science curriculum in secondary schools, suggestions for improving it, and programs designed to stimulate student interests in science education. (RK)