The transformation of natural history and science museums from receptacles (temples) to facilitators (forums) of knowledge fosters discourse around issues relating to science and society, known as social scientific issues (SSI). To assist guests with enhanced object-based learning, extended reality (XR) technologies are thought to leverage the…

There have been numerous efforts aimed at improving geographic literacy in order to address societal challenges. Extension educators can use geographic information system (GIS) technology to help their clients cultivate spatial thinking skills and solve problems. Researchers can use it to model relationships and better answer questions. A program…

Scale measurement and ratio and proportion are topics that fall clearly in the middle-grades mathematics curriculum in Texas. So does the solar system. In their experience, the authors have found that students have trouble manipulating, much less comprehending, very large numbers and very small numbers. These concepts can be brought into students'…

This paper provides examples of Aid-to-Thought uses in urban decision making, classroom laboratory planning, and in a ship antiaircraft defense system. Aid-to-Thought modeling and simulations are tools students can use effectively in a STEM classroom while meeting Standards for Technological Literacy Benchmarks O and R. These projects prepare…

The transgenic mouse model is useful for studying the causes and potential cures for human genetic diseases. Exposing high school biology students to laboratory experience in developing transgenic animal models is logistically prohibitive. Computer-based simulation, however, offers this potential in addition to advantages of fidelity and reach.…

The mission of Project SWEP (Skyline Wide Educational Plan) was to conceptualize the secondary school of the years 1980-2000 and to develop a viable working model of such schooling. The staff first sought a comprehensive description of the society of the 1980s and beyond, with emphasis on how education might be impacted by various facets of that…

The major purpose of this evaluation report is to scrutinize the Skyline Wide Educational Plan (SWEP) research methods and analytical schemes and to communicate the project's constituency priorities relative to the educational programs and processes of the future. A Delphi technique was used as the primary mechanism for gathering and scrutinizing…

The purposes of this terminal evaluation report are to determine the extent to which the major goals of the Skyline Wide Educational Plan (SWEP) project were achieved, to evaluate the utility of the products of SWEP studies, and to communicate the results to appropriate audiences. Information relative to four major project components is presented;…

This theme issue covers "High School Programming" and approaches to meeting the needs of gifted high school students in Texas. The first article is "Thematic Interdisciplinary Curricula for Secondary Gifted Students in English and Social Studies" (Joel E. McIntosh and April W. Meacham). This approach is contrasted with the…

The Southern Rural Development Center in cooperation with the University of Kentucky sponsored a workshop which brought together extension and research personnel interested in rural economic development concerns (i.e., inadequate water supplies, sewer systems, and schools). The proceedings include "Community Growth Management: The Land-Grant…