The National Science Foundation funded a synthesis study on the status, contributions, and future direction of discipline-based education research (DBER) in physics, biological sciences, geosciences, and chemistry. DBER combines knowledge of teaching and learning with deep knowledge of discipline-specific science content. It describes the…

The predicted increase in geoscience careers and research opportunities is discussed. A growing environmental concern and the need to search for oil outside the Persian Gulf has led to an educational revitalization in this area. (KR)

This report, which examines expected major trends in ocean research up to the year 2000, focuses on the most important ocean research problems that should receive particular attention during the next decades, what major advances should be expected and what kinds of research should be encouraged for them to be achieved, and impediments to achieving…

The improvement and revitalization of academic geology departments is discussed. A view of a balanced department including rationale, faculty, and staff is provided. Projections of the future supply of geology faculty and students are presented. (CW)

This report presents the results of a 3-month effort to assess the archiving requirements that should be imposed in the event of a transfer of the United States land remote-sensing satellite systems to the private sector. The emphasis is not on judging the desirability of the proposed transfer, but on recommending the requirements that should be…

Questions a hypothesis from creation science dealing with mammals. Claims that, when tested, the hypothesis fails in two ways. (TW)

Discusses how rock-cycle diagrams can graphically illustrate the interrelationship between materials and processes in physical geology courses. Reviews nine contemporary physical geology textbooks with regard to their use of such diagrams. (TW)

Descriptions of eight exemplary precollege earth science programs are presented. The programs were locally developed, nontext based, and having an extensive laboratory component. The programs emphasize societal issues involving aspects of earth sciences. (CW)

Presented is one approach to the reform of earth science education. Discussed are conceptual themes, the role of elementary school science, the development of positive science attitudes, selection of topics and the role of the geologist. (CW)

The Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--investigated the questions and explanations primary children have about rocks. Data were collected during teaching sessions from New Zealand students (ages 8-11) and Australian students (ages 10-11). The teaching sessions required the teacher to create a situation in which children generated some…

Examined are the results of three studies completed at the University of Northern Iowa on the status of earth science teaching in Iowa over a ten-year span and the characteristics of exemplary teachers. Considered are course offerings, teacher backgrounds and preparation, instructional materials, and laboratory and activity time. (CW)

In 1988, the Office for Undergraduate Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (USEME) convened a series of disciplinary workshops designed to obtain a better understanding of the conditions and trends in undergraduate education in the United States in seven critical areas: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geosciences,…

The purpose of "Project Catalyst" is to enhance teacher competencies through academic-year workshops and two content-intensive summer institutes. The goals, eligibility and recruitment, selection criteria, format, and preliminary evaluation for the program are discussed. (CW)

Reported are highlights of a workshop related to the geosciences sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Discussions include recommendations for the NSF's undergraduate education programs including support for individual students, laboratory activities, faculty enhancement, curriculum, courses, and underrepresented groups. Precollege…

Strategies that can be used to revitalize geoscience education are discussed. Stressed are the ideas of providing voluntary assistance to science and science teacher education and program diversification. (CW)