Offers some perspectives regarding philosophical and practical issues that need to be considered before decisions are made regarding initiatives to develop an entry-level certification program and development of accreditation standards for college and university environmental and related programs. (ZWH)

Provides an assessment of national standards for precollege science courses, specifically precollege botanical education. The article provides suggestions for instructors to aid in ensuring that more botany is taught at all educational levels. (ZWH)

Describes the work taking place on the National Science Education Standards and its three working groups of curriculum, assessment, and teaching. Discusses the implications of the standards for biology teachers. (PR)

Describes a worksheet developed to enable students to learn the rules for assigning oxidation states. Employs an active learning approach. Also includes a copy of the worksheet. (DDR)

Describes a proven three-step method used by teachers in Australia and the United States for developing assessment strategies to match existing science curricula. Includes sample assessments. (DDR)

Archaeology is the most integrated discipline that combines such diverse fields as anthropology, geology, biology, history, and art among others. Describes Project Archaeology's "Intrigue of the Past" teachers' activity guide, the objective of which is to educate students to take responsible and thoughtful actions towards their…

Stresses the value of graphing and computer algebra systems calculators when teaching about waves. Discusses how to input data into these calculators. Highlights the Texas Instruments' (TI) Web site at http://www.ti.com. (YDS)

Describes a classroom activity that explores the strength of spaghetti. Provides students an opportunity to explore a common substance in a scientific way; measure the strength of various sizes and amounts of spaghetti; gather, record, and translate quantitative data; use calculators; and present data. (YDS)

Investigates the relationship between science and technology in industrial research laboratories, comparing the lab as "ivory tower" with the customer-oriented science approach. Describes similar patterns in science and technology curricula. Concludes that mutual commitment and shared project work would benefit integration of science and…

Discusses the "National Science Education Standards" released by the National Research Council in 1995, as it relates to teaching young children. Focuses on two areas: "Science Teaching Standards," how teachers should be facilitating scientific understanding in young children; and "Science Content Standards," what…

Details a project designed to bolster the quality of astronomy education through teacher workshops. Workshop topics include the solar system, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The Learning Approach Questionnaire (LAQ) is used to determine the effects of the workshops. (DDR)

Winners of the National Future Farmers of America Agriscience Teacher of the Year Award (n=131) generally believed that integrating science helps students understand concepts and their agricultural applications and that integration would increase enrollment. They felt teachers needed more preparation time for integration. (SK)

Describes one way that a school and community in South Carolina are meeting Goal Eight of Goals 2000 by involving parents and their children in two family science programs called the World of Wonders and Families Experiencing Science Together. (DDR)

Discusses the policy and practice implications of five articles published in this issue. Argues that the "one size fits all" approach cannot work in systemic reform. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)

Presents a description for an undergraduate course designed to ensure that all science students have access to basic abilities early enough to apply them in their major. Focuses on scientific writing, speaking, literature searching, career planning, and other valuable skills that can prepare students for upper-level courses and entry into the job…