This document contains the cumulative report of the WestEd Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Science and Mathematics Education (WERC) for the fiscal years 1996-2000. WERC regional and national activities involve collaborations with other Eisenhower regional consortia and the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse (ENC). The WERC region includes four…

This Evaluation Brief examines the BSCS approach to improving secondary science education, and illuminates some of the lessons learned from its five years of work with districts across the nation. It highlights selected findings from the full study report and discusses the broader implications for the field. Specifically, this Brief examines the…

This project's goal was to design a professional development model to improve the skills of elementary teachers in providing quality science instruction. Surveys have concluded that lack of training, time, and instructional materials are obstacles for elementary science teachers. Eight elementary schools in a mid-sized west central Texas school…

A search of NASSP's exemplary program files in mathematics, science, and practical arts by the authors turned up a variety of practices in use in the schools that responded to the Association's request for exemplary programs. Some new-some tried-they range from individualized instruction to mini-units. (Editor)

The author describes, in a highly personal manner, physics teaching in a rural school. Topics detailed include: program descriptions, teaching methods, textbook selection and adoption procedures, teaching load, and the problems associated with teaching in a school district with limited funds. (BT)

Justification for maintaining field experience in undergraduate geological education is presented. Emphasis is placed on educating the student rather than providing technical training. (SA)

Describes Advanced Science for Kids (ASK), a multicultural approach to assessment and programming for a middle school advanced science program. ASK is designed to provide alternative approaches to identification and assessment, facilitate authentic instruction and assessment, and provide minority students with academic and social support as they…

Describes the Bridges program which aims at forming bridges between teachers and students within districts and extending those bridges across district boundaries in the Los Angeles area while enhancing science instruction in the classroom. Discusses the planning, implementation, evaluation, and summary of the program. (JRH)

Surveys of curriculum changes of (n=163) colleges and universities offering 4-year undergraduate programs in geology found that 77% revised their major geology programs in the previous 3 years and 74% reported that the greatest incentive for change was concern about pedagogy. Includes survey. (MKR)

Introduces a science program that provides an exciting, safe, and interactive educational experience. Describes activities and the impact of this program. (KHR)

Argues that school science programs should develop scientifically literate individuals who understand how science, technology, and society influence one another and who can make informed decisions. Describes the Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP), a diverse educational program used by students across the United States that…

Describes goals and decisions for implementation developed by the International Soros Science Education Program (ISSEP). ISSEP is an initiative directed to the education of basic sciences in Russia and other newly independent states of the former Soviet Union. Focuses on ensuring the recognition of gifted young students at the high school level…

Observes the progressive change in the cognitive development of students (n=141) over the course of their secondary education in an Australian private school. Analyzes data to investigate children's cognitive development across years 8, 10, and 12. Examines the influence of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) Thinking…

Believing that science could be used as a vehicle for increasing student achievement across the curriculum, seven science resource teachers in the South Carolina Lowcountry designed a professional development program funded through a Local Systemic Change grant from the National Science Foundation called Project Inquiry. Science notebooks, used in…

Many educators advocate the use of projects in the science classroom. This document describes an effort (LabNet) that has successfully implemented a program that allows students to learn science using projects. Chapter 1, "An Introduction to LabNet" (Richard Ruopp, Megham Pfister), provides an initial framework for understanding the…