This analysis uses data on science achievement and transcript reports of science course taking patterns of students from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) to estimate the relationship between science course taking and the change in science proficiency levels between 8th and 12th grades. It also explores the extent to…

Many educators and researchers have questioned the relationship between science and technology and the appropriate place of each in the curriculum. What researchers have discovered is that many countries approach this issue in different ways. The emphasis in this document is placed on the interdependence of science and technology in a pluralistic…

Ohio's Model Competency-Based Science Program is designed to provide direction for school districts in developing local competency-based science education programs. This guidebook provides direction for those responsible for developing district science programs. Section 1 is an introduction to competency-based education that covers the spirit and…

In response to the rapidly emerging environmental imperative that environmental awareness needs to be taught in the schools, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) through its Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) developed a project oriented toward grass-roots improvements by schools within environmental…

Province-wide school-leaving examinations had been an integral part of education in British Columbia (Canada) until 1973 when they were abandoned for a period of 10 years and reintroduced in 1983. This study investigated the effects of the grade 12 examinations in secondary science, and of science assessments conducted in grade 10. Researchers…

Learning about the earth as a system was the focus of the 1997 International Conference on Geoscience Education. This proceedings contains details on the organization of the conference as well as five general sessions by various participants. The interactive poster sessions are organized according to three themes: (1) Earth Systems/Science…

This teaching guide focuses on Arctic-nesting shorebirds. The format of each section consists of background information, student activities, observation and research ideas, and key words. Basic information on how to use this curriculum and seven sections devoted to different aspects of Arctic-nesting shorebird life are provided. Sections cover…

This paper lays out the characteristics of effective leadership in education, particularly science education. Teachers should be aware of different theories of instruction and apply them as student needs warrant. Quality supervisors and principals support teacher professional development, are effective communicators, encourage positive curriculum…

In the rising tide of reports proclaiming the need to reform various aspects of education, middle level education has been frequently overlooked. The Study Panel on Curriculum and Instruction of the National Center for Improving Science Education recognizes the critical development that occurs during early adolescence and the current reform toward…

Systemic reform, by definition, requires a concerted effort on the part of many toward change. In an effort to continue to promote systemic reform in science and mathematics education, a 3-day conference provided the forum necessary for many to share their insights and concerns on the issues. A brief discussion of four components of the conference…

This document discusses the state of science education in primary school before and after the introduction of the National Curriculum in 1989 established science as a core subject. The first half describes research and specific efforts to improve science education in the primary grades. It includes the following sections: (1) "Background to…

Science and technology are often presented and taught as two separate essences. When this is done, students as well as teachers are forced to attempt to develop the appropriate linkages. This book is one of a series designed to help teachers develop their science and technological education in ways that are both satisfying to themselves and…

The mission of science education in Kansas is to develop all students into lifelong learners who are reasoned decision makers, contributing to the international community. Included in this document are guidelines and standards for use by all those concerned to ensure that the aforementioned mission is realized throughout all schools in Kansas.…

Science is not a phenomenon restricted to one group of people. Instead it is something that is experienced by all, though often its form is unrecognized. Because science is experienced by many, one would expect that different groups of people would share common experiences in science. In an effort to determine whether there are similarities in…

The Secondary Science Curriculum Review (SSCR) was established in 1981 to consider implications of providing a broader and more balanced approach to science studies for all students aged 11 to 16 years, and to stimulate and support the development work required to enable schools to make appropriate curricular provision. This paper, addressed to…