Presents a summary of recent trends in enrollments in the major subjects (with an emphasis on the sciences) offered in British secondary schools. (JR)

Offers perspectives on the importance and purposes of science education. Emphasis is given to understandings and applications of scientific knowledge. Integration of the science disciplines and an interdisciplinary approach in science instruction are recommended. (ML)

Considers a number of issues related to research in the area of high school pupils' attitudes toward science. Attempts to map out the area of interest by considering issues that pertain to the meaning of key terms. Contains 55 references. (DDR)

Investigated A-level subject choices of students recorded before taking the O-level examination and the actual choices made. Achievement levels, influence of such factors as sex, overall ability, reasons for selecting O-level, type of school, and subject patterns in the fourth and fifth years were considered. (JN)

This document consists of two parts: (1) a copy of a Science Attitude questionnaire developed in Britain for use with secondary school students, and (2) a manual describing administration and interpretation of the questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 58 five-choice, Likert-type items, and takes 45 minutes to administer. The items form five…

Reports on a study to determine the factors contributing to students' choice of science as a major field in the comprehensive schools in Great Britain. (PG)

Student interest in improving the quality of science teaching at Oxford University led to an active role for the Oxford University Junior Scientific Club during the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. Students presented papers and organized lectures, demonstrations, and exhibitions to disseminate scientific knowledge. (IS)

Briefly reviews some of the main features of the research evidence and the latest data on student attitudes toward science. Argues that the recent introduction of an extension of compulsory science education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has not succeeded in changing the level of interest in science. (DDR)

Argues that fostering early science interest could act as a stimulus for lasting interest, affecting numbers of students opting for secondary school science courses. Identifies problems in testing this argument by research, highlighting two areas: control of inter-school variables and need for a measure of quality of primary science itself. (JN)

Compares science choices, attitudes, and achievement of Asian and Black children with those of White children in Great Britain. Concludes that although Black and Asian students scored lower than White students on entry to secondary school, by the fifth year Asian males outperformed White males, and Black students achieved as well as White children…

Reports results of a survey of 0- (N=186) and A-level (N=277) chemistry students (before taking their examinations) and their teachers (N=40) to determine their perceptions of how difficult different topics were to learn or teach and to determine if ability, interest, and syllabus were related to perceived difficulty. (DC)

Investigated factors affecting science interests of 592 students by administering three questionnaires to them at ages 12+, 13+, and 14+. Conclusions drawn from numerous findings suggest that early science activities have positive and negative long-term effects and dealing with animals seems detrimental to some females' future interest in biology.…

Papers presented include: (1) discussion in science lessons; (2) research on science interests of South Australian 12-year-olds (N=753); (3) chemistry and science philosophy; (4) methods/goals of teaching science to slow learners; (5) uses of industrial applications in science lessons; (6) nature of scientific observations; and (7) pros/cons of…