Recent educational studies have shown increasing lack of interest and participation of youth (ages 10-14 years old) in various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields in the U.S. The decline in the number of youth choosing to study STEM fields in higher education and the resulting lack of STEM professionals in the society…

Introduces the Australia Science Festival and explains science teachers' involvement in planning, execution, and writing curriculum. Provides information on participation in the festival. (YDS)

Describes a science learning program sponsored by the State University of New York College (SUNY) at Geneseo which brings together elementary students, parents, and university students and faculty for an evening of fun, meaningful science experiments, demonstrations, and activities. Includes sample activities. (KHR)

Evaluated is a course for twelfth graders to demonstrate a variety of aspects of applied science. The basic structure and content of the course are described. The evaluation results including achievement, interest/difficulty with other courses, lateral transfer, and attitudes are reported. Examples of problems and application questionnaire are…

Describes a secondary level program which offers science as an elective program based primarily on student interest. (SL)

Describes a small-scale study of a course that placed emphasis on context- and activity-based science. The Salters' science course makes use of a wide range of learning strategies. Author concludes that pupils' interest and enthusiasm for school science may be increased through a combination of using pupil's everyday interests and employing a wide…

Discusses a visit to a hospital to help students gain an appreciation of technological application. Describes the potential, general and specific considerations, and evaluation of such a field trip. (YP)

This study defines some of the educational ecosystems that encourage students to discover science interests and science talent. Six interrelated constructs are discussed. Construct 1 consists of a skein of achievement-centered, goal-targeted environments that comprise the inspiring teaching and learning that can enhance the endowments of students.…

Outlines the various activities students are involved in on Physics Students' Day at an amusement park and the mechanics of organizing this type of an event. Includes a real problem and the list of resource material. Suggests resource material for use with amusement park physics. (YP)

Described is a university physics course bridging the gap between educational methodology, content, and applications of physics in identifying and resolving both societal and physical problems. Discussed are students' goals, instruction, and evaluation. Provides supporting texts list, a sample schedule, and sample ideas for independent…

Investigated is the impact on attitudes of prospective elementary school teachers of pragmatic, success-oriented courses in science as prerequisites for entry into science methods courses. A need for exposing prospective teachers to instructional strategies and experiences which are consistent with teaching practices and curricula employed in a…