Science teaching and teacher education in the U.S.A. have been of great national interest recently due to a severe shortage of science (and mathematics) teachers who do not hold strong qualifications in their fields of study. Unfortunately we lack a rigorous research base that helps inform solid practices about various models or elements of…

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)

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)

Reviews what research has revealed about science education during the preceeding 20 years. Describes the desired state condition for science education created by the National Science Foundation's Project Synthesis. Contrasts the desired state to the actual state of science instruction. (FL)

It is noted science education is in a major period of transition, largely because of major problems facing society today. The feeling expressed is that science teaching designed to respond to societal demands of the 1960's is inappropriate for the demands of the 1980's. Possible directions for new programs are discussed. (MP)

Describes problems with traditional views of goals and presents considerations for goal setting in the issues-based curriculum. Uses the interdisciplinary approach of science/technology/society (STS) to illustrate how curriculum should be structured to improve students' creativity and process skills. (MW)

Traces the development of the current understanding of what "literacy" in science should be. Offers viewpoints that "basic" components of biology should include the nature of science, the way it functions, and other nonconceptual dimensions of biology. (CS)