Reports on a study designed to focus on staff development delivery variables in the context of science teacher workshops. Data suggest that 8 to 16 hours is a minimum amount of time for staff development if teachers are to implement new strategies into their science classrooms. (TW)

Using transcript data from 1,700 California high school students, this study investigated the influence of students' background characteristics on course placement in mathematics and science. Results showed course placements varied substantially across the four schools surveyed. Variations were explained in part by differing curriculum…

Proposes that students learn and do chemistry based on their own beliefs. Expresses concern that the educational system supports and rewards the learning of facts over the learning of concepts and general skills. Offers suggestions for instructional improvement. (TW)

Discusses the development and implementation of the Standards of Learning (SOL)-Science, a publication which contains content concepts for K-12 science programs in Virginia. Examples of indicators for a criterion and suggestions for gathering evaluative data are given. (DH)

Advocates and defines a contextual science approach which emphasizes holistic investigations of phenomena. In the approach, small groups of teachers (each with an area of expertise) would be in charge of instruction. An example of the approach (with suggested roles for each specialist) related to the world food supplies is given. (DH)

A "nuclear arms race semester" achieved depth and breadth when several single-discipline approaches to nuclear studies were unified through an integrating seminar. Components included American history, freshmen composition, physics, and the seminar. The program was successful for students and faculty, supporting unified studies approach…

A 1985 conference of dental schools to discuss the need for and approaches to curriculum change resulted in agreement on a series of principles to guide curricular review and a seven-stage model for change. These are summarized and the need for more thorough evaluation of program outcomes is discussed. (MSE)

Summarizes what has been learned from recent major studies of the status of science teaching in developed countries and makes recommendations about appropriate future directions for science education. (JDH)

Maintains that new approaches to science education must be interdisciplinary, stress the social relevance of science, and be implemented from clear objectives that are matched with rational procedures. Presents broad goals for future science education. (JDH)

Describes some simple solar energy experiments, reviews real life examples of solar energy, and lists areas where solar energy can fit into existing school science curricula. Instructions for making equipment needed, a discussion of recent developments in thermal systems and photovoltaics, and a bibliography are included. (JN)

Discusses reasons for the failure of the post-Sputnik science curricula and offers criteria for selecting relevant curriculum content, suggesting that these curricula focus on problem-solving. Lists seven problem areas (technological, environmental, empirical, historical, aesthetic, philosophical, and futuristic) with recommended topics for each…

Reviews historical and current patterns in chemistry instruction, listing influences on chemistry curriculum development and identifying change elements in science education. Enumerates major advances in the nature of chemistry and the subsequent impact on school chemistry. (ML)

Examines several areas to be considered in developing physics syllabi. They include (1) the objectives of physics teaching and learning; (2) physics as an experience, based on realistic expectations of what 14- to 16-year-olds are capable of; and (3) the kinds of experiences in which students can succeed (including computer experiences). (JN)

Outlines three projects which have been designed for teaching electronics to ages 11-13, 13-16, and 16-18. Aims, content, approach, and equipment are discussed with guidelines for teacher use. Indicates that work with microprocessors (alongside Nuffield style analogue work) should help digital electronics receive greater emphasis in secondary…

Rather than emphasize specific facts, teaching science should help develop the whole person. Children learn science best when they are able to choose what they want to know. Suggestions for "living science" rather than parroting facts are offered. (DF)