Discusses some of the problems faced by technical advisors implementing projects for the improvement of science education in Africa and reasons for these problems. Problem areas considered include underdevelopment, underestimating the process, finances, personality conflict and motivation, and opposition from key groups. (A list of major UNESCO…

During the past fifty years movements to reform science education have used the same ideas for changing the context of science teaching. Policies need to be established for identifying the knowledge and skills necessary for reformulating the science curriculum. (MD)

Main reasons for not using recently developed curriculum materials in elementary schools include misunderstandings about their psychological bases, and lack of trained teachers and curriculum coordinators in school districts. Efforts should be directed to improve these conditions. (PS)

Description of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) includes: nature of program psychological bases, learning environment, instructional materials, evaluation, and role of the teacher. Orients the reader to the SCIS program and reviews related literature and research. Bibliography. (BR)

Describes the development of the Australian biological curriculum materials, "Biological Science: The Web of Life," as a result of linking efforts with the United States BSCS "color versions" in biology. (CS)

RESEARCH STUDIES CONCERNED WITH THE APPROPRIATENESS AND EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM STUDY (BSCS) MATERIALS ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS NEWSLETTER. BSCS TESTS WERE ANALYZED AND RELATED TO OTHER TESTING INSTRUMENTS USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE BSCS PROGRAMS. DATA COLLECTED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TEST NORMS WERE ALSO USED IN A…

DEVELOPED WERE THE PLANS AND PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE A COHERENT SCIENCE PROGRAM INTO THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OF TWO SCHOOL DISTRICTS BY USING UNITS FROM VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS UNDER NON-EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS. EMPLOYING A GENERAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR WHO WORKED WITH TEACHERS HAVING A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF PREPARATION IN THE SCIENCES,…

This report contains articles on the preparation of Introductory Physical Science (IPS) for commercial publication, objectives and content of the course, and the IPS leadership training program. Two articles discuss testing as a means of student evaluation, and statistics are presented to indicate student performance on IPS by grade level and…

The purpose of this study was to survey the Nuffield Science Teaching Projects' adoption and diffusion into British secondary schools. This report presents a narrative of the three-phase research strategy. The first year was of an exploratory nature aimed at elucidating the various forms that adoption and rejection of innovations could take, the…

Profiles for all curriculum research and development projects financed by the Schools Council and which have published reports or other material available to the public are provided in a loose-leaf format. The profiles are grouped under the following broad subject headings: English; Humanities; Languages; Creative Studies; Mathematics; Science;…

Describes the curriculum development project sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Thai government. The purpose of the project is to develop, treat, and implement new courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics. Explains the organization of…

Describes the Project Physics curriculum, including its origins, content and structure, current level of use, and philosophy of its approach. (MLH)

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)

Describes the development and rationale of a hands-on, process-oriented elementary science curriculum that emphasizes decision making, problem solving, current issues, and the human element in science and technology. (JHZ)