Implementation of science curriculum materials has been a fundamental challenge in science education for decades. Policy researchers have argued that alignment of standards, curriculum, and assessment are the key to supporting implementation. This paper focuses on teachers' perceptions of curricular alignment and on curriculum implementation using…

Biological and Earth Systems Science (BESS) is a two-year integrated biological and earth systems science curriculum for ninth and tenth grade students developed in response to the national and statewide dissatisfaction with secondary science programs. This report provides an overview of the program's history, aims, implementation strategies,…

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…

Suggested is that geology can contribute significantly to the general education of our students from the point of view of relevance and increasing understanding of the planet we inhabit which should be learned as a series of interacting processes involving a time dimension. Several curriculum projects are outlined. (Author/DS)

This document is designed to provide practical information for teaching the Science 20-30 Program of Studies. The first section provides an overview of Science 20, explaining the program philosophy as well as clearly demonstrating how the program articulates with the junior and senior high science courses. The use of concept connections and…

Provides a description of a program in Maine that emphasizes the relevance of earth science to students' everyday lives with classroom activities that address real societal issues such as wise management of habitats. Includes two of the activities from the curriculum materials. (DDR)

Presents a list of courses, programs, and workshops for earth science teachers at colleges and universities in 35 states and Canada. The list contains entries ranging from introductory earth science courses to full scale undergraduate and masters degree programs designed especially for earth science teachers. (MLH)

The National Aeronautical Space Administration's (NASA) Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) produces a wide range of products for teachers and students and supports educational activities for all grade levels in cooperation with the NASA Headquarters Education Division. This catalog presents the diverse educational programs, products, and resources…

During the month of February, eighth and ninth graders at a university school in Wyoming participate in a winter lake study. Descriptions are given of various measurement techniques related to water quality studies. (SA)

Provides an overview of the educational system and the instructional approach employed with earth science education in The People's Republic of China. Reviews the major characteristics of secondary, undergraduate, and graduate programs. Cites representative institutions and explains their earth science programs. (ML)

The activities presented in this book, designed to help 4th through 8th grade instructors teach about the history of life, help students prepare for a visit to a museum exhibit on life through time. The pre- and post-visit activities as well as the in-museum activities help students prepare for and enjoy their 4.5 billion year trip through time at…

Reviews "Pathways in Science" (Globe Book Company), designed as a complete middle/junior high school science program. Strengths (including sixth-grade readability) and weaknesses (indicating that limited process skill development may not challenge more capable students). Limited process skill development and the possibility for the program…

Emphasized is the need for statewide direction in secondary science education coordinated by personnel from local school districts, local universities, and state departments of education. A state communication network is described and its impact on earth science, preservice and inservice college offerings, research, and other areas discussed. (DC)

The 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education project has identified 50 exemplary programs in physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. Descriptions of four of these programs and the criteria used in their selection are presented. The first section reviews the direction established by Project Synthesis in searching for exemplary…