Suggests that the new context for school science focuses on the real world, real people, and real issues. Areas considered include current problems in science education, the need for a new context, recommendations for a K-12 science curriculum, the science/technology/society (STS) movement, and STS curricula and programs. (JN)

Predicts the effects of today's secondary science education curriculum on the competencies of students who have experienced it. (JG)

Indicates that Master's degree programs have remained rather stable during the 1960-80 period. Over one-half the course requirements in these programs are in science content areas. Courses in science education comprise under a quarter of courses in programs, followed in importance by general courses in curriculum/instruction. (Author/JN)

Reviews the past to provide a better definition of the major crisis in science education. Suggests that preparing scientifically and technologically literate citizens may be lost on such issues as teacher shortages, number of scientists/engineers produced in the Soviet Union, college entrance scores, and degree of rigor in school programs. (JN)

This study presents results from a survey of all graduate institutions in the United States and then takes a closer look at 35 programs responsible for most of the research and production of doctoral graduates in science education. Identified are several trends, which are discussed and represented graphically, in the areas of: (1) growth of…

Surveyed 132 United States graduate programs in science education to determine enrollment trends. Doctoral graduates, science education faculty (number, age, rank, and types of degrees), university financial support, and employment patterns for doctoral graduates are reported for the 35 largest centers. Results indicate much slower growth since…

The authors present their analysis of trends discernable in doctoral programs in science education from 1966-1980 in 22 institutions with respect to enrollments, faculty, program features, and placement of graduates. (Authors/PB)

Reports the proposed indicators of desired directions and future foci for science education. Lists indicators most frequently mentioned by persons involved in the 1979 annual meetings of the National Association of Research in Science Teaching and the National Science Teachers Association. Implications are discussed. (CS)

A study of the accomplishments and needs of the science education discipline revealed many areas indicative of crisis or problems: (1) a decrease in the number of science education programs; (2) decrease in faculty; (3) decline in research and curriculum development; (4) lack of cooperation and communication between departments; and (5) changes in…

Reviews trends in science teacher education programs from 1960 to 1990. Concludes that science education programs at colleges and universities are expanding, being newly created, or reinstated after closing 10 years ago. (PR)

Discusses the historical development and present status of a current educational trend in science education, Science-Technology-Society (STS). Presents the origins of the trend, a comparison of STS science classes to traditional classes, and general results of studies contrasting STS with traditional teaching. (35 references) (MDH)

Various responses to the current crisis in science and technology education have been initiated, including federal aid, responses from industry and professional organizations, and introduction of more than 30 bills into Congress. Reasons suggested for the crisis include the three ideas that defined the curriculum and instruction foci of the 1960s:…

Reported and discussed are data collected from 50 states concerning the professional preparation of state science consultants, the nature of the positions, number of workers employed in such units, changes in support staff, facilities, and budget for each five-year interval between 1960 and 1980. Eight trends resulting from the data analysis are…

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)

Maintains that the science/technology/society movement (STS) is a megatrend in science education. Explains that STS takes a holistic, problem-solving approach toward teaching science, one that is student oriented and much more accessible than traditional approaches. Lists tables that contrast STS and traditional classes. (DB)