In this article, we consider how assessment might reinforce New Zealand curriculum goals of knowing and doing in science for active and informed participation in societies that rely on scientific knowledge to guide decision making. This focus constitutes an orientation towards "sustainable assessment". Sustainable assessment encompasses…

Purpose: One area of science that will increasingly influence our society is biotechnology. An increasing number of modern biotechnological applications have provoked consideration of the ethical and social issues; therefore, it is important that the public is well-informed about them. Formal education in upper-secondary schools should help…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current science and technology curriculum for the balance of scientific literacy (SL) aspects and its potential to educate scientifically literate citizens. Human body system unit of current science curriculum was investigated to see whether scientific literacy aspects were reflected sufficiently to…

Decision making is influenced by multiple factors, especially when approaching controversial socio-scientific issues, such as stem cell research. In the present study, we used qualitative data from 132 college student papers in a biotechnology course to investigate how students made decisions about stem cell research issues. Students indicated…

A growing cadre of science teachers and researchers are developing curriculum blueprints for teaching the science and ethics of genetics to help students put advances in biotechnology into proper perspective. Lists five sources for teaching genetics. (MLF)

Provides both a rationale and framework for Earth systems education and a description of the early development of the Program for Leadership in Earth Systems Education (PLESE). Presents the seven basic understandings that form the conceptual basis for the PLESE program. (five references) (MCO)

Analyzes the changing place of technology in English schools. Delineates the relationship between science and technology, and outlines three traditions for presenting technology as a subject. Examines the recent establishment of technology as a distinct subject area within the English National Curriculum. (RW)

This report synthesizes critical issues and questions associated with science curriculum reform for the purpose of establishing a research agenda. Section headings describing needed research are as follows: Science, Technology, and Cultural Needs; Schooling Needs; Science Education Needs; and Research in Science Education Needs. Contrasts and…

From 1986 to 1988 the associates of the Enhancing Secondary Science Education through Science/Technology/Society (STS) for Urban Minority Youth Project worked toward establishing guidelines for STS in secondary science. The guidelines, based on study, research, discussions, and a consensus-building process, are presented along with 12 background…

Presents problems encountered by the Curriculum Development Committee in Hong Kong in efforts to reform the sixth-form science curriculum. Examines curricular movements in the United States and United Kingdom. Proposes a Curriculum Inquiry Framework which will conceptualize and broaden science teaching. Contends that science education should be…

Examines the philosophical basis for the development of authoritarian views in science education curricula. Argues that the deliberation of science curricula should address humanistic and societal issues as well as fact. Suggests that such deliberation requires a broader spectrum of individuals who involve themselves in the development of…

This guide is designed to provide a rationale and structure which can enable educational planners and decision makers in Kansas to develop and select science curricula. The content of the publication is intended to be used by administrators in charge of curriculum, departmental and district science chairpersons, and all teachers, citizens and…

This paper discusses the results of a field study that attempted to answer questions related to science curriculum renewal in the province of Saskatchewan. The purposes of the field study were to obtain educators' reactions to proposals for change in the science curriculum, assess teachers' needs for science teaching, and determine the nature and…

Examines the relative effectiveness of two different chemistry curricula. African American students enrolled in an inner-city high school who took ChemCom, a Science-Technology-Society-based science curriculum employing cooperative learning as an integral component, scored significantly higher gains on a standardized measure of chemistry…

In 1981, Saskatchewan Education initiated a complete review of education in Saskatchewan. As a result of this review, the development of policies based on the concept of a core curriculum was recommended. In 1986, the report of the Core Curriculum Advisory Committee proposed a K-12 policy framework for Saskatchewan schools. In addition to a set of…