A series of essays discuss in a semi-technical way the philosophical, theoretical, and applied aspects of cybernetics and bionics. Of particular interest to educators is the author's discussion of the implications of cybernetics for pedagogical methodology. He predicts that education in the future will concentrate on a teaching systems approach,…

This report invites examination of what the schoolhouse is and what it can be -- an instrument to equip young people to cope with an increasingly complex world, enable them to contribute to the common good, and help them find joy in their own existence. The first section discusses traditional school design and how the knowledge explosion has made…

The number of American versus foreign-born students studying mathematics, engineering, and physics in U.S. graduate schools is declining. A program developed at Texas Tech University's Department of Mathematics offers courses in these areas to high-ability secondary-school students, to acquaint them with career opportunities and exciting…

This document describes the essential competencies from secondary through post-secondary associate degree programs for a career in agricultural business and production systems. Following an introduction, the Ohio College Tech Prep standards and program, and relevant definitions are described. Next are the technical competency profiles for these…

This report presents a research-action agenda to enhance the role of afterschool education in increasing girls' participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, majors, and careers. The research-action agenda was developed for three areas: access, recruitment, and persistence; program content, approaches, and…

This technology studies curriculum for grades 6-8 is a plan for each middle school student to experience technology education for approximately 60 days (1 trimester of a 180-day school year) in each grade. Section A provides definitions; structure or content for grade-level programs with science and technology unifiers (unifying curricular…

The National School-to-Work Office in collaboration with the National Association for Gifted Children, the Council for Exceptional Children, the Association for the Gifted, and the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted have identified 11 gifted education/school-to-work (GT/STW) models that are either best practices or unique…

Knowledge production and learning in engineering is a local, situated, negotiated, and thoroughly social process. Although engineering work entails the construal, production, and application of artifacts and technical devices belonging to the "object world," the process of designing is a process of achieving consensus among real or…

This packet contains both teacher and student materials for a course on agricultural structures. The curriculum contains seven units, each containing several lessons, on the following topics: (1) working with plans; (2) home and farmstead planning; (3) building construction; (4) concrete; (5) electricity; (6) plumbing; and (7) fencing. The…

One of the greatest needs of our country is good public roads. The reason we do not have them wherever needed is not primarily because of the cost of building them, for in the last quarter of the century we have spent more money for other things not half as valuable or half as much needed than would be required to pay for the building of good…

Examines effects of an afterschool science program on minority female students' attitudes toward science, engineering, and mathematics. The program, which incorporated cooperative learning, lands-on activities, mentoring, and role models, positively influenced participants' attitudes to (and subsequent participation in) these subject areas.…

Responding to the increasing math and science teacher shortage in the United States, this study intended to determine which science, engineering, and math (SEM) majors during which years in their undergraduate education and from which academic performance levels are most interested in K-12 teaching. Results may aid policymakers and practitioners…

To mark New England Board of Higher Education's (NEBHE) 50th anniversary year, "Connection" invited a small group of visionary commentators to submit short "statements" on the future of New England's economic and civic development, tomorrow's technologies and the changing shape of higher education. This article includes the…

St. Louis Community College (SLCC), in Missouri, is currently involved in various programs designed to address the issues of drop-outs, teenage pregnancy, illiteracy, crime, underemployment, and unemployment. One such program is the Emerson Electric Co. Minority Engineering Scholarships which since 1988 has provided scholarships to 80 minority…

This report discusses the social and economic benefits of university research, arguing that if funding for research programs is reduced, short-term savings could impose long-term costs, depriving Americans of scientific breakthroughs, economic growth, and improvements in international competitiveness. It provides over 100 brief summaries of…