Suggests research in science education is necessary to improve science programs; reviews science education research results on reasons students see little value in science education; and discusses science education goals and what is known about how children learn, suggesting findings in these areas should be considered in developing science…

The author surveys the era of science innovation initiated by a bonanza of National Science Foundation funding from 1956 to 1976. He looks at the methods and materials that were developed and considers the extent to which this unprecedented national effort met, or is still pursuing, its goals. (Editor/SJL)