A 21-item scale combining and modifying an environmental paradigm and a social paradigm was used in 2 surveys. This paper compares attitudinal dimensions resulting from factor analysis. Similarities in terms of relationships between scores on the scale and preferences for energy-related options were also assessed. (Author/CW)

Determined if, after in-service programs, teachers' attitudes toward energy conservation were transferred to their students (including fourth-grade, seventh-grade, and high school students). Results (based on correlations) indicate that the hoped-for transfer of teacher attitudes toward energy to their students may not take place. (JN)

Determined if listing thoughts evoked after exposure to arguments presented in a two-sided persuasive communication serves to enhance attitude change and if the number of favorable thoughts listed by preservice elementary teachers following exposure to persuasive communication are related to their changed attitudes toward energy conservation. (JN)

Discusses the limitations of previous energy conservation programs in affecting the behavior of individual consumers. Suggests that the rational-economic model upon which they were based needs to be supplemented with alternative psychosociological models in developing future programs. (EVL)

Presented are the results of a four-wave panel study to determine the relationship of communication to conservation behaviors. This study found that energy-related content in the mass media bears stronger relationships with the perceived importance of the energy problem than with adoption of energy conservation behavior. (Author/CW)

Examines secondary science textbooks for their interpretation of energy concepts. Discusses some of the confusion created by the use of the "forms of energy" approach. Advocates the use of "energy transfer" terminology. Critically examines examples of common text passages from British textbooks. (CW)

Describes changes in teacher attitudes after completion of an inservice energy education workshop. Although there was a decrease in favorable attitudes towards curricular change, there was a modest, positive effect on participants (N=132) which should help to promote energy education. (DH)

Investigated methods science and nonscience majors use to make predictions about five situations involving the conservation of mechanical energy. Two findings, among others, show that subjects did not employ identifiable strategies in over 97 percent of the cases and show differences in the way majors and nonmajors worked the problems given.…

Described is a study to determine the relationship between energy knowledge and gender. Differences in levels of energy understanding were related to both gender and geographical location. Also noted is a low level of energy literacy in general. (CW)

Discusses four topics: (1) provides some background to the science-technology society (STS) movement; (2) suggests an expanded STS curriculum model for topics related to energy education; (3) applies the expanded model to one example of curriculum development; and (4) draws implications from the model for developing curriculum and instruction on…

Inservice workshops were conducted to help elementary teachers (self-contained and subject specialists) understand energy issues. Information/background, sources of materials/activities, experiments/demonstrations, and evaluation are discussed. One important aspect of the project was the local utilities' involvement in the workshops. (DH)

Twenty-six papers illustrate the wide reach of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) studies and education. A sampling of the first section on general STS studies includes: (1) "Technology, You, and the Law" (Kenneth S. Volk); (2) "The People From 'Away': Ending Racial and Economic Exploitation in the Siting of Toxic Wastes"…

Reports on the results of a survey of homeowners in two Wisconsin communities which examined the relationship of media use to a set of cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral components of energy conservation. Suggests that conservation campaigns take into account communication patterns and energy use of specific groups of consumers. (TW)

Discusses how biomass in the form of fuelwood, crop residues, and animal dung can be converted into fuels such as biogas and ethanol to replace or supplement fossil fuels. Argues for future decentralized, integrated biomass energy development. (TW)

Examines the effects of sex, grade level, region, and academic preparation of secondary school students on energy opinions. Assesses the responses of students on energy items related to the government, cars, and conservation. Results reveal significant regional and sex differences. (ML)