Systems thinking suggests that one can best understand a complex system by studying the interrelationships of its component parts rather than looking at the individual parts in isolation. With ongoing concern about the effects of climate change, using innovative materials to help students understand how Earth's systems connect with each other is…

What bird species live in your area? Which migrate and which stay year-round? How do bird populations change over time? Citizen science provides the essential tools to address these questions and more. With ever-growing databases such as Project FeederWatch and eBird, students can connect with people around the world as they make observations,…

The internet abounds with free science education applications. But, on their own, these applications have limited capacity to teach students curricular concepts or skills. The author integrated several free web-based applications into a broader pedagogical approach called T-GEM, in which the teacher guides student investigations. In this article,…

In recent years, a number of National Research Council reports have emphasized the need to improve science education and enhance science literacy for all students. In addition, the newly released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" advocates engaging students in scientific practices and disciplinary core ideas. Children are not learning…

Describes the adaptation process involved in modifying the outdoor biology instructional strategies (OBIS) project to the local environment and educational system in Israel. (HM)

As the United States strives to achieve energy independence, students need to be literate about energy and environmental issues. In this article, the authors present a lesson about the nation's electricity resources that is part 1 of a free, comprehensive unit on coal and energy that is available online (http://tinyurl.com/coalenergyunit). The…

Researchers increasingly embrace online courses to compensate for lack of access to educational opportunities otherwise available in traditional school settings. Researchers also recommend alternatives to traditional AP coursework to better meet the diverse learning styles and needs of advanced learners. These recommendations have particular…

Describes the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program from the point of view of its possible contribution to environmental education for elementary school children. Ecological examples are used in the description. (AL)

The newsletter contains information about the science education activities sponsored by The British Council for the improvement of materials and practices. Areas covered include Science, Mathematics, and General. Background information along with a brief progress report is given for each of the projects described. Engineering and technology…

Describes use of Science Curriculum Improvement Study materials for teaching environmental education in elementary schools. The units provide a sequential learning experience ranging from the Study of Organisms, Life Cycles, Populations, Environments, Communities to Ecosystems. Projects underway in the United States and Sweden for materials…

The publication of a British adaptation of the BSCS Green Version (High School Biology) is announced. (AL)

It is no coincidence that many of the "Grand Challenges for Engineering" (National Academy of Engineering, 2007-2010)--such as carbon sequestration--address environmental problems that were precipitated by human inventiveness and engineering achievements. Although people recognize their dependence upon environmental processes to provide…

This issue of the newsletter contains reports of three surveys of science teachers in addition to a bibliography of references to Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) materials published in the period 1969-71. The major conclusions of the surveys are listed below. The differences between the objectives of Japanese biology and physical…

Presented are a student workbook and teacher's manual for a unit which combines a study of water pollution with instruction in critical reading skills. In the two activities students study the types and effects of pollution in Lake Erie. At the same time they learn how to read critically, evaluate their reading skills, and analyze written material…

These resource papers encourage the student to discover for himself the contributions to a problem made through original literature. Since some of the papers are controversial or contradict others, the student will need to evaluate these papers to determine his correct approach or position. It is hoped that these papers will also foster an…