This paper, presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of Biology Teachers, is focused on legal and judicial problems in mandating equal time for creationism. Past events provide evidence that legislation, policies, and local resolutions that require science textbooks and curricula to include the Genesis account of creation are…

The author discusses the activities and goals of advocates of creation science as these persons and groups work to bring about the teaching of creationism in high school science courses in which evolution is taught. It is the author's belief that the anti-evolutionism movement was stimulated by the science curriculum improvement activities of the…

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

Discusses the important concepts involved in problem solving. Presents a chain representation of problem solving and gives an example of the application of this method. Provides a strategy for teaching controversial issues in a science classroom and gives an example of the implementation of the strategy. (CW)

Compared are two approaches to exam writing in which the narrative approach is described as a novel, creative, and integrated learning opportunity. In this approach, a single system is chosen in which questions are asked that challenge the student to perceive interrelationships between principles and details previously learned. (CS)

Many educators and researchers have questioned the relationship between science and technology and the appropriate place of each in the curriculum. What researchers have discovered is that many countries approach this issue in different ways. The emphasis in this document is placed on the interdependence of science and technology in a pluralistic…

Discussed are positions on the topic of creationism. The dichotomy between science and religion is analyzed. Middle positions are highlighted and the fundamental issues clarified. Examples that illustrate historical changes in scientific thought are included. (KR)

The development and responsibilities of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) are discussed. Ways in which teachers can use the OTA, especially as a starting point for issues-oriented design work are suggested. Examples of publications from OTA are described. (KR)

Presented is the course outline and proposed science content for this course. The structure, sessions, and evaluation of the course are discussed. (CW)

Good science education depends on solid content and active learning. Effective teaching in all the physical sciences should have a similar focus on important concepts and effective learning experiences. Students of all ages benefit from experiential learning. Inquiry, which combines hands-on and minds-on learning, engages students in a process…

Choosing the proper content for high school physics courses is not an easy task for the teacher or the school. Depth and breadth of coverage, student interests and background and teacher strengths may by considered. This paper provides help for teachers in choosing course content. Topics are: (1) scope of physics; (2) list of seven basic…

Background, rationale, and promising practices for teaching about science-related social issues in the science and social studies classroom are presented. Material is divided into five sections, each introduced with a topical question. The first section considers the challenges associated with the pervasive influences of science and technology in…

Presents the syllabus for a course which surveys aspects of American economic growth from the end of the 18th century to the early 20th century through the perspectives offered by the discipline of the history of technology. Describes format, readings, evaluation, materials, course organization, and a field trip. (CW)

The laboratory curriculum of an introductory physical geology course which emphasizes a peer-learning approach is discussed. (Author/SA)

This document presents a course in the science of nuclear energy, units of which may be included in high school physics, chemistry, and biology classes. It is intended for the use of teachers whose students have already completed algebra and chemistry or physics. Included in this paper are the objectives of this course, a course outline, a…