This is an exciting time to be in science education. New science standards are being developed by a group of science educators from across the country, working with 26 states in a process managed by Achieve, Inc., a non-profit education reform organization. The development of the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) promises to be the most…

Excursions to museums and science centres generally are great fun for students and teachers. The potential educational benefits beyond enjoyment, however, are rarely realised or analysed for their efficacy. The purpose of this paper is to describe four educational enrichment programs delivered at the Gravity Discovery Centre (GDC), near Gingin,…

This paper, presented at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in April, 1972, in New York City, emphasizes the need for science to become more humanistic and integrated. The author advocates that the middle school, being unique, will require a major restructuring of the present curriculum. Also included are goal statements,…

Discusses the existing design of some undergraduate physics courses, and outlines the general aims which will give the development of a physics curriculum a definite direction and approach. (GA)

This study was designed to see if objectives accompanying test items increased cognitive learning. The results indicate that objectives accompanying pretest items facilitate student study and preparation for posttests, but objectives accompanying posttest items inhibited performance. (BR)

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…

This critical, analytical, and interpretive review of three National Science Foundation-supported studies of the state of precollege science education examines the implications that these studies may have for the science community. Areas discussed include student problems, teacher preservice and inservice education, curricular innovations and…

Discussed is the question: "If science curricula reflect actions of pressure groups to include or delete certain content, is science a part of a basic, liberal education?" (PB)

THIS BOOK FURNISHES CURRENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM IMPROVEMENT STUDY (SCIS) OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY. IT IS PRIMARILY DIRECTED AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS, BUT IT WOULD BE PERTINENT TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN NEW TRENDS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INSTRUCTION. THE ACCOUNT…

This digest provides information about "Research Within Reach: Science Education. A Research-Guided Response to the Concerns of Educators," part of a series produced by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory, Inc., Charleston, West Virginia. (Previous volumes in the series focused on reading, elementary mathematics, oral and written…

Presents overviews of two programs developed in the spirit of the National Science Education Standards. BSCS Biology: A Human Approach is an inquiry-based, activity-driven biology program developed by the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS). Insights in Biology, developed by the Education Development Center (EDC), is a modular program that…

Describes three programs designed to attract students to science education: Project 2061, developing curriculum models and blueprints for science teacher education; the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination Project, recommending that science be taught each year in grades 6-12; and the National Science Education Standards project, developing standards…

This document consists of four sections. The first section includes two chapters which discuss the curriculum development projects of the 1960s and the goals of science education. The second section includes chapters which provide information about instructional strategies and systems, evaluation, the integration of science and other school…

This issue of R&D Alert presents a sample what of works to strengthen mathematics and science education. The lead article describes the core principles of WestEd's National Academy for Science and Mathematics Education Leadership. After 5 years running the academy, WestEd staff have refined effective approaches for developing teacher leaders…

Evaluates textbook content in light of goals set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association Project Synthesis. Examines the history of textbook change over two decades in comparison to CHEM Study 1963. Summarizes major features of texts that promote memorization at the expense of understanding. (JM)