This digest discusses the inclusion of "sustainability" concept in environmental education. Topics included are: (1) definiton of sustainability; (2) inclusion of the concept in the curriculum using interdisciplinary approaches; and (3) a list of instructional materials containing the concept at the elementary, secondary, and college…

National concerns about the quality and effectiveness of science teaching have resulted in several efforts directed at restructuring the United States' science curriculum. This digest discusses recent initiatives of the Earth Systems Education. Topics discussed include: (1) efforts to understand the planet Earth; (2) the Program for Leadership in…

This digest features a review of learning styles research with a focus on the Dunn model of learning styles which delineates five types of stimuli: (1) environmental; (2) emotional; (3) sociological; (4) physical; and (5) psychological. Issues related to practical applications of the Dunn model to mathematics and science education, learning…

Due to data released in several reports in recent years, concern has been growing regarding the status of undergraduate science in two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and universities. Recommendations of reports on this topic are summarized. Types of programs and activities that have been developed with precollege schools and students; current…

This digest discusses block scheduling and it relates to teaching standards, staff development standards, and assessment standards. The standards are examined in terms of how they can be achieved through the use of block scheduling, and conclusions stress the necessity of scheduling for maximum student learning. (DDR)

This digest describes an interdisciplinary approach to instruction based on the relationship between reading, writing, and arithmetic. Questions related to which language learning strategies apply to mathematics, the perspectives of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) regarding this approach, the impact of reading on…

This digest addresses principles of planning science programs for high ability learners. It notes various evaluation reports that have reviewed needs in science learning and teaching, identified essential science concepts and processes, and evaluated teacher enhancement programs and curricula. Research on gifted learners in science is briefly…

This digest provides an introduction to action research in science education and includes examples of how action research has been used to improve teaching and learning, as well as suggested resources for those seeking to incorporate action research into their own teaching or research. Action research is defined and is examined in science…

Advances in science and technology, information in philosophy and psychology, and changes in society have placed different demands on science education than was the case in the 1960's. Post-Sputnik era curricula in science were organized to reflect the structure of the discipline and were aimed primarily at encouraging students to pursue science…

Ecosystems are available to educators as interactive units and as such the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and the Excellence in Environmental Education: Guidelines for Learning (EEE) put considerable emphasis on ecosystems. This ERIC Digest describes the NSES and EEE guidelines for grades 5-8 and 9-12 to provide a basic ecosystem…

This digest highlights the key features of the science education reform movement as it relates to curricula and classroom practices. The ideas presented here have been gleaned from the National Science Education Standards and the Benchmarks for Science Literacy, both of which elaborate ideas emerging from Project 2061 and other efforts that have…

This digest focuses on the impact of the educational reform movement on science education. Topics reviewed are: (1) "What is the message of educational reform?"; (2) "What changes have occurred?" listing increasing graduation requirements and lengthening schooling; (3) "Have educational reform efforts improved…

This digest provides four guideposts for tropical rainforest education: (1) structure; (2) location and climate; (3) importance; and (4) conservation of resources. Research is cited and background information provided about the layers of life and the adaptations of life within the tropical rain forest. Aspects of life within and near rain forests…

This digest presents an overview of ways that parents can encourage their child's learning in science. National and state standards for science knowledge and skills are discussed. The importance of parental guidance and encouragement in all subjects--science in particular--is also discussed. Suggestions are made for setting a good example, helping…

This digest identifies selected sources of materials for science education. Included are: the Educational Resources Information Center; the American Association for the Advancement of Science; the National Science Resources Center; the National Science Teachers Association; and publications produced by the California State Department of Education.…