Since its inception, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) blue print has attracted interest from more than 40 states in the United States. The overall objective of these proposed changes is to align K-12 science education with current trends in technology and career needs. However, the assessment of teacher preparedness and classroom…

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…

Describes development of K-12 aerospace education materials. The ninth-grade component, adopted as a pilot program, consists of four parts: history, applications (principles of flight, weather, navigation), spin-offs of research, and careers/organizations. Program evaluation results are reported. (JN)

This paper makes a case for considering science as one of the humanities by describing the use of the Chautauqua Model in the state of Iowa to affect teacher attitude and behavior. The model includes a two-week experience with science, technology, and society teaching and learning (STS); a two-and-one-half day short course; planning and usage of a…

Reports on a research study designed to understand the influence of education on the level of recycling in communities and counties in Iowa. Focuses on different types of education, distribution methods, expenditures, and messages. (DDR)

This document is a comprehensive directory of Federal offices, programs, and facilities for K-12 education in mathematics and science for the North Central Region. The purpose of this directory is to assist educators, parents, and students in attaining the National Education Goals, particularly Goal 4: "By the year 2000, U.S. students will be…

Described is an instrument which provides local schools with a means of assessing and/or revising their science curriculum. It is also designed to aid schools in developing a sequential, articulated curriculum based upon community, student, and staff needs. (DS)

Following evidence indicating lack of science instruction in schools, a science curriculum expressed as a modified pyramid, with the majority of process skills, content, and contemporary issues introduced at the K-6 level is described. Includes two tables indicating which grade level skills, content, and issues should be introduced and emphasized.…

Describes the Alternative Strategies and Services for Improving Science Teaching program of Iowa (Iowa-ASSIST). It represents a major effort for inservice education and science curriculum implementation in Iowa schools. The functioning model and the outcomes of the program are also discussed. (HM)

Explains how students are able to interact with a team of interplanetary scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by using the Iowa Communications Network (ICN). Discusses the professional development component in detail. (DDR)

Three papers are provided to assist local school districts and legislators in developing their positions when addressing creation/evolution controversies in Iowa schools. "Creation, Evolution and Public Education: The Position of the Iowa Department of Public Instruction (DPI)" presents the consensus of opinions of national and Iowa…

This document was developed to encourage and aid local schools in the assessment of their science curricula on a continuous basis. It provides: (1) a 21-step implementation schedule for conducting a science curriculum assessment and/or revision; (2) a model for assisting schools in developing their science philosophy, goals, and topics; (3)…

Describes efforts in the reform of science education, noting the importance of changing preservice and in-service teacher education. The article examines three national systemic reform efforts and discusses implementation efforts in Iowa. It also discusses Iowa's teacher preparation and offers assessment information arising from Iowa's efforts.…

This study examined whether there were significant differences in the level of knowledge regarding curriculum reform efforts in mathematics and science and the level of incorporation of these new standards and recommendations into the curriculum among districts of varying size in Iowa. Data were gathered from respondents to school surveys of…

Designed to facilitate development of local school district curricula, this document provides science educators with guidelines for conducting an assessment of K-14 programs as well as offering "essential" process skills and knowledge items for synthesizing the most appropriate student outcomes in science courses. The booklet is divided…