At the University of Pittsburgh, the author and his colleagues have been exploring a range of approaches to design challenges for implementation in high school science classrooms. In general, their approach has always involved students working during class time over the course of many weeks. So, their understanding of what works must be…

Since its initial funding by the National Science Foundation in 2004, the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) has worked to understand the infusion of engineering design experiences into the high school setting. Over the years, an increasing number of educators and professional groups have participated in the expanding…

It is the purpose of this unit of study to acquaint students with the world of engineering. The activities are intended to simulate problems which might be undertaken by engineers and illustrate the sequence of events leading to their solution. The material is intended for use in the eighth or ninth grades as a supplement or for inclusion into the…

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCIENCE COURSE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ARE REVIEWED. INFORMATION FOR THE REVIEWS WAS OBTAINED FROM PROJECT NEWSLETTERS, TEXT MATERIALS, ARTICLES ABOUT THE PROJECTS, AND CONVENTION REPORTS. PROJECT RESUMES INCLUDE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES, MAJOR THEMES, OBJECTIVES, UNIQUE FEATURES, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF…

Discusses the current status and major issues affecting the quality and size of the human resources pool of scientists, engineers, and technical personnel. Indicates the role and strategies the National Science Foundation plans to take to address the deficiences. (RT)