The success of science instruction programs is linked to the presence of representative personnel on the program selection committee, the availability of materials, and the adaptation of the program to local needs. Administrative leadership is vital in each of these areas. (Author/IRT)

Outlines the characteristics of an "ideal" modern science program, notes some sources of guides, gives examples of prototype programs, and discusses staff development, program implementation, and administrative considerations. (IRT)

Briefly discusses the contents of this issue, which concentrates on providing a survey of the wide variety of courses available to English school-leavers who wish either to specialize in physics or to include some physics along with other subjects in their studies. (MLH)

Reports on a study of the implementation of the new science curriculum in secondary schools in Northern Ireland. Findings suggest that astronomy has caught the interest of many students. Concludes that these findings justify the inclusion of astronomy in the Northern Ireland Science Curriculum. Contains 12 references. (JRH)

Describes a sequence of two courses included in the chemical engineering program at the University of Minnesota, Duluth that deal with the processing of hazardous wastes. Covers course content and structure, and discusses developments in pollution prevention and waste management that led to the addition of these courses to the curriculum.…

Discusses challenges faced in the teaching and learning of evolution. Presents a curricular program and a case study on evolutionary biology. Investigates students' conceptual knowledge after exposure to the program "From Dinosaurs to Darwin," which focuses on fossil records as evidence of evolution. (Contains 32 references.) (YDS)

Describes current debates over the nature of science in the science curriculum. Illustrates the subtle ways in which epistemological portrayals have been influenced with regard to the public's relationship with institutional science in the United States by using the curricular ideas of John Dewey and Joseph Schwab as an historical perspective.…

This is the fourth in a series of articles introducing the recently initiated Activities Integrating Math and Science (AIMS) program for the development of a pattern-based mathematics/science curriculum. Discusses proportional relationships, proportional reasoning at the manipulative level, proportional reasoning expressed as written language,…

Proposes that a successful school science curriculum is one which engages rather than coerces pupils and which caters to both prospective scientists and informed citizens. Argues that to produce such a curriculum, it is essential that teachers and pupils are fully involved in the revision process. Contains 10 references. (JRH)

Reports on the use of a technique that involves students in researching the hazardous properties of chemicals they are about to use. Students include this information in their lab reports focusing on product and company identification and hazards identification. (DDR)

Explains a proposal for society to be the driver for scientific literacy and the need to understand the roots of persistent difficulty in incorporating useful knowledge into the secondary school curriculum. Discusses changes taking place in the economy, the idea of enlisting industry as an ally to legitimate alternative forms of knowledge, and…

Introduces the Techniques in Chemistry I course taught in the Furman University Department of Chemistry which focuses on organic and inorganic chemistry. Uses a problem solving approach and active learning. (Contains 17 references.) (YDS)

Describes a new curriculum for the final two years of a B.S. program in physics. Defines junior progress from a descriptive, lower-division understanding to an advanced analysis of a topic by phenomenon rather than discipline. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a project on labwork at upper secondary and undergraduate levels that was launched in 1996 and funded by the European Commission. Presents new research questions focusing on three objectives: (1) conceptual; (2) epistemological; and (3) procedural. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/YDS)

Examines the effect of teaching science ethical issues relevant to the idle school science curriculum. Concludes that teaching ethical issues in science had a positive influence on student attitudes toward science and fostered a positive impression of science education. (Author/YDS)