Describes and examines the effects of the eight-week Summer Science Training Program at the University of Iowa. There was no significant differences between students who had completed high school physics and those who had not on the final course examination, course grade, and attitudes toward physics. (Author/YP)

Suggests that the new context for school science focuses on the real world, real people, and real issues. Areas considered include current problems in science education, the need for a new context, recommendations for a K-12 science curriculum, the science/technology/society (STS) movement, and STS curricula and programs. (JN)

A project is described wherein the major activity is assistance to schools for implementing or revising science curriculum programs in Iowa schools. Programs emphasized include all grade levels. Assistance is provided in the areas of mathematics and social studies as well as science. A K-12 Environmental Studies Program was developed by the…

Visits to six school districts which were identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence program were made during 1983 by teams of 17 researchers. Their reports were analyzed in search for common characteristics that can explain the requirements necessary for excellent science programs. These characteristics are…

Discusses criteria used in selecting the 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) exemplary elementary science, inquiry, science/technology/science programs. Includes lists of winners in these three areas. (JN)

Results from a 1982 follow-up study of student perceptions of science instruction are presented and compared with data from the 1977 national assessment. Data were obtained from 700 students in Iowa aged 9, 13, 17, and young adult. (MNS)

National Science Foundation reports provided criteria for identifying 54 exemplary science programs in the United States. Questionnaires and school visits showed programs characterized by locally developed curricula, less emphasis on textbooks, and outstanding teachers (average age: 51 years; degree: M.A. 30). (PB)

Compares science education in the United States to that in Germany, France, Japan, People's Republic of China, Soviet Union, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Includes a list of science education endeavors in each of these countries to stimulate discussion of how to improve the situation in the United States. (JN)

Described are the dimensions of the perceived crises in science education as described by responses from 28 science educators (see SE 528 242). Also discussed are some proposed solutions. Areas of crises and solutions include administration, research, science content and theory, and learning. (Authors/DS)

Reports the results of the Chautauqua Program, an effort involving 224 life science teachers grades 4 through 12 in Iowa schools, that sought to introduce Science/Technology/Society strategies to new teachers, help them develop materials, and assist in structuring an assessment program that could provide evidence that reform has occurred. (ZWH)

Highlights activities of the National Science Teachers' Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) program. The program involves searching for exemplary programs which can become models for designing new programs. A list of six SESE exemplars chosen for onsite study is provided. (JN)

Reports on a study that examined the performance and science attitudes of two groups of students in a college chemistry course. One group had enrolled in high school chemistry; the other group had not. There was no difference between groups as to attitude toward chemistry or academic performance. (RT)

Reports on research modeled after the studies of the National Assessment of Educational Progress which sought to acquire data on student perceptions about science programs. Indicates that student attitudes are not as negative in exemplary schools as they are in randomly chosen schools. (RT)

Points out that discrepancies exist in secondary and college level teachers' perceptions of what is essential for student success in college science. Stresses that more research is needed and offers participation in the National Science Teachers Association "Every Teacher A Researcher" program as one means of addressing the concern.…

Discusses the postcard survey by "Science and Children" that attempts to identify elementary, middle, and junior high schools that have successful, sustained science programs and another similar search for exemplary programs conducted by the National Science Teachers Association and the Council of State Science Supervisors. (DC)