In Latvia, a new curriculum is introduced to provide the opportunity to acquire skills in multidisciplinary context. To achieve that, schools need to implement projects. In this paper, one example of a multidisciplinary project where fieldwork is involved is described. The aim of the research was to create support materials for teachers and…

Implementation of reform curricula requires teachers to adopt new approaches to teaching. Research has provided promising results about the influence of educative curriculum on teachers' learning and instruction. However, this approach generally focuses on teachers as isolated learners. Using a design-based research approach, the authors developed…

Much of modern biology has become increasingly chemical in character. Not surprisingly, students often have trouble understanding key ideas in biology because they lack foundational chemistry ideas. AAAS and BSCS are collaborating to develop and study a curriculum unit that supports students' ability to explain a variety of biological processes…

AAAS and BSCS are collaborating to develop and study a curriculum unit that supports students' ability to explain a variety of biological processes such as growth in chemical terms. The unit provides conceptual coherence between chemical processes in nonliving and living systems through the core idea of atom rearrangement and conservation during…

Technological fields, like engineering, are in desperate need of more qualified workers, yet not enough students are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) that would prepare them for technical careers. Unfortunately, many students have no interest in STEM careers, particularly engineering, because they are not…

The 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education was designed to provide up-to-date information and to identify trends in the areas of teacher background and experience, curriculum and instruction, and the availability and use of instructional resources. A total of 7,752 science and mathematics teachers in schools across the United…

The purpose of this project was to provide innovative and cutting edge genetics materials for 14-17 year olds (Year 10-12) in Australian schools, which aimed to engage students and encourage evidence based decision-making. In 2008, an Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) project called "Genetics…

Included are progress reports from forty-two countries, ranging from accounts of complete adaptation and implementation of Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) materials to notes of preliminary contact with BSCS programs. Countries represented are: Afganistan, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Ceylon, Chile,…

SELECTED ARTICLES THAT APPEARED IN "THE SCIENCE TEACHER" DURING THE PERIOD 1960-1966 ARE INCLUDED IN THIS SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCE FOR HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHERS. SUBDIVISIONS ARE (1) CONTENT BACKGROUND FOR TEACHERS, (2) CURRICULUM, AND (3) CLASSROOM IDEAS. CONTENT ARTICLES ARE PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH THOSE ASPECTS OF BIOLOGY THAT ARE…

REPORTED IS A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF RESPONSES RECEIVED FROM SELECTED INDIVIDUALS IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND RELATED FIELDS ON CHARACTERIZING AN IDEAL BIOLOGY COURSE FOR COLLEGE JUNIOR AND SENIOR NON-MAJOR STUDENTS. INCLUDED ARE (1) SUGGESTED COURSE AIMS AND PHILOSOPHY, (2) SUGGESTED COURSE CONTENT, (3) THE CONSIDERATION OF AN…

Describes how adaptation projects are used to produce BSCS materials specifically designed for the local flora, fauna, educational system, biological problems and culture of other countries. (BR)

This unit and teacher's guide were prepared for use with primary grade children. The activities include the construction of a desert terrarium, the study of cacti, and the use of animal sort cards. A special section is devoted to the way parents can help with the unit. A detailed list of needed materials is provided in the guide. This work was…

Analyzes the factors linked with the adoption of new curriculum projects by teachers for possible implications for the development of new projects. (LS)

This book presents an experimental approach to the teaching of biology in secondary schools. Starting with a unit on microscopy, the study centers on animals. The two particular examples taken are those of the rat and the rabbit. A number of experiments have been suggested on nutrition, circulation, respiration, sweat, excretion, skin, regulation…

This newsletter presents: an essay by Dr. Bentley Glass recalling his personal experiences with the early development of BSCS; an essay by Dr. William V. Mayer, Director of BSCS, outlining in detail the BSCS process of curriculum development, including detailed flow charts; and a guide to BSCS learning programs and materials. (SL)