Since its initial funding by the National Science Foundation in 2004, the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) has worked to understand the infusion of engineering design experiences into the high school setting. Over the years, an increasing number of educators and professional groups have participated in the expanding…

Contends that school science programs should return to the visionary programs of the 1960's, which developed logical thinking and problem solving. These have since given way to a barren emphasis on fact acquisition and "cookbook" lab activities. (TE)

Argues that science programs developed during the 1960's should be replaced by "science/technology/society" (S/T/S) programs, which build on students' curiosity and concern about local problems. (TE)

Discusses reasons for the failure of the post-Sputnik science curricula and offers criteria for selecting relevant curriculum content, suggesting that these curricula focus on problem-solving. Lists seven problem areas (technological, environmental, empirical, historical, aesthetic, philosophical, and futuristic) with recommended topics for each…

Skills needed for problem-solving are discussed. Examples of defining problems, questioning, observing, classifying, predicting, and confirming are provided. An overview of the Elementary Science Study (ESS) program, including a list of ESS units (grouped by subject matter), is also provided. (Author/JN)

Determines effect of a process-oriented science curriculum on students' (N=83) ability to transfer and utilize problem-solving skills, and the relation of basic and integrated processes to the development of those skills. Discusses methodology and implications for teaching problem solving, stressing the need for process-oriented curricula.…

Presents a project-based curriculum, Foundations of Science (FOS), that integrates the physical and biological sciences. Consists of three years of integrated science based on: integrating science disciplines, project-based science, inclusion of authentic problems, and routine uses of technology. (nine references) (JRH)