Develops an integrated approach based on the use of general systems theory (GST) and the concept of 'mapping' scientific knowledge to provide students with tools for a more holistic understanding of science. Uses GST as the core methodology for understanding science and its complexity. Discusses the role of scientific community in producing…

Traces the history of secondary school science in Mauritius to identify factors that may have influenced its link to technology of local significance. Reports that while there are many educational and vocational opportunities, the education system is founded on literary lines with examinations. Subsequent selection at different levels has become…

Delineates a rationale for the study of teacher beliefs about issues of culture and its impact on science teaching and learning. Asserts three major categories of teacher beliefs to examine for designing teacher education programs that aim to meet the challenges of increasingly culturally diverse classrooms. Discuss implications for science…

Project 2061 of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) developed and field-tested a procedure for analyzing curriculum materials, including assessments, in terms of contribution to the attainment of benchmarks and standards. Using this procedure, Project 2061 produced a database of reports on nine science middle school…

Examines the ideal ecology curriculum in terms of education rationale, goals, and content. Reviews available data sources with regard to environmental education. (KHR)

Explains why the isolated sphere models are physically unsound. Describes an improved model for attempting a qualitative explanation of charge concentration. (YP)

Discusses the six program standards of the national science education standards: program consistency; embedded content, inquiry, and connections; resources; equitable and excellent science programs for all; science integrated with mathematics; and communities of learners. (MKR)

Discusses the need for multicultural science education for all students, compares the nature of science in Africa to traditional Western science and examines the pros and cons of each, considers contributions to scientific knowledge by Africans and African Americans, and presents suggestions for integrating these contributions into the classroom.…

Describes the extended general physics course taught at Rutgers University. The course presents to students at the high school algebra level the topic of analyzing a particular thought experiment that yields the time dilation formula and subsequently space contraction, velocity addition, and other 20th-century physics concepts. (MVL)

Presents priorities and strategies considered when developing a course on women and science at an Australian university. Suggests that the course will fill a gap in the history of science course offerings and address the contributions of Australian women scientists. Compares the experiences of two physicists: Joan Freeman and Rachel Makinson. (DK)

Provides insight on the concept, punctuated equilibrium, in the hope of enhancing evolution education. (ZWH)

Presents an activity that provides students an opportunity to explore the tempo and mode of evolution by analyzing data and constructing two evolutionary trees, one gradualistic and one punctuated. (ZWH)

Provides educators with a baseline of approaches to environmental education for nonenvironmental engineering students. Determines the scope of environmental programs offered as special programs. Analyzes survey responses and makes suggestions for program implementation. (DDR)

Examines the dynamics of the science-curriculum reform process. Highlights the nature of metaphors guiding reform efforts; the influence of social, historical, economic, and political forces on the reform process; the use of local and professional languages as discourses for communicating about reform; and the complex power relations that…

Identifies the development of practical and investigative skills featured in science qualifications at all levels (foundation, intermediate, and advanced) and all types (general, general vocational, and occupationally specific). Reviews the debate over the purpose of practical experimental work in science education and training. (Author/CCM)