Reports on a study into how the history of chemistry is being taught in colleges and universities. Results indicate that courses on the history of chemistry are hardly ever required of chemistry majors, and they are offered in only 10 percent of American Chemical Society approved chemistry departments. (TW)

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…

Proposes that the concept of evolution be used to integrate and link topics in biology syllabi. Justifies and cites advantages of teaching biology from an evolutionary viewpoint, providing specific examples of implementation possibilities. (ML)

Analytical chemists need to revise curricula and make better use of computers to improve the status of their discipline. Highlights of an international panel of leading analytical chemists which addressed topics and issues related to these needs are presented. A chart showing the five-year Soviet chemistry curriculum is included. (JN)

Describes the Ministry of Education's environmental education program; its goals, organization, content, implementation program, and formative evaluation plan. (JDH)

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)

Adapting science curriculum and materials for hearing impaired students begins with selections of existing curricula and evaluation of curricular goals and themes. A three-phase strategy for translating program goals into learning activities covers introduction, development, and evaluation tasks. (CL)

Science education is viewed from a framework that integrated sources of knowledge with the traditional processes of scientific inquiry. Sciencing is then described, and how it could be implemented with young children is discussed. (MNS)

Surveyed dietetics directors (N=186) and biochemistry instructors (N=153) on topics emphasized in biochemistry courses for dietetics and nutrition students. Results indicate a consistent pattern of variation in topics emphasized and that this variation is influenced by whether students in other major fields are also in a course. (JN)

The study investigated the effects of an adapted science curriculum featuring vocabulary exercises and framed outlines on the performance of 202 regular and mildly handicapped seventh graders. Data generally showed that the scores of handicapped as well as nonhandicapped students were better when the chapters were modified. (Author/CL)

1984 marks the implementation in Scottish schools and colleges of Standard Grade courses for the 14 to 16 age group and the 16-18s Action Plan. This review will introduce these two major curriculum changes to non-Scottish readers, and emphasize the changes which will occur in science. (JN)

Meta-analysis techniques were used to synthesize research on the effectiveness of three major activity-based elementary science programs: (1) the Elementary Science Study, (2) Science--A Process Approach, and (3) the Science Curriculum Improvement Study. Implications for both widespread adoption and curricular decisions, as well as long term…

Discusses teaching approaches which incorporate science/technology/society issues in elementary and secondary school science curriculum, including short topics, discrete units, elective courses, full-fledged science/technology/society curricula, and interdisciplinary courses taught by several teachers in different fields. Ways to persuade teachers…

The author reviews trends in the curriculum field, pointing out how it suffers from "ahistoricism." Schools must be responsible for countering cycles and fashions. Curriculum reform efforts should be an attempt to solve problems based on knowledge from previous experience. (MD)

Brief descriptions and addresses are provided for the following: four handbooks for elementary principals on science programs, a study on women in science, a renewal of National Science Foundation funding for precollege-level science teaching projects, and a report outlining proposals for educational improvement in science. (TE)