Considers some aspects of chemical education in Australia and the context in which this occurs. Discusses the situation in precollege schools briefly followed by a more detailed look at the situation in the higher education sector including postgraduate programs, teaching and research staff, and continuing education in chemistry. (JRH)

Articulates the major components of aesthetic understanding, pedagogy designed to foster it, and the results of a pilot study designed to investigate its effectiveness. Survey results indicate that the pedagogical moves were effective in scaffolding aesthetic understanding in treatment class students. (Author/SOE)

Examines the emerging definition of science literacy from the authors of the science standards, policymakers' desire to standardize, and inclusive education perspectives. Proposes designing science curricula in light of inquiry learning, cultural and local relevance, an inclusive approach, and a real world setting that brings personal benefit to…

Discusses methodological concerns raised by Kesidou and Roseman (2002) regarding textbook evaluations and the training of rating teams. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

Responds to the comments of Holliday on the analysis of middle school science textbooks with regard to the methods used in the evaluation of curriculum materials. (Contains 22 references.) (Author/YDS)

Reports on a study that takes its point of departure from four facets of human functioning to which scientific literacy may contribute from a personal, social, and scientific disciplinary perspective. These include everyday coping, social decision making, working in technological industrial enterprises, and extending the frontiers of science and…

Presents a small-scale case study of science assessment for pupils with special educational needs based on the appropriateness of the assessment as a means of monitoring achievement and in setting targets. Considers issues involving the application of performance scales (P-scales) and proposes that the amended scale provides enhanced support for…

Describes China's school science curriculum in the context of on-going reform. Focuses on changes and their background. Discusses implications for the practice of science teaching. (Author/YDS)

Traces the efforts of Searching for Extraterrestrial Technological Intelligence (SETI) since 1960 when a radio-telescope was used to see if any messages were being sent from the vicinity of two nearby stars. Describes attempts to detect microwave/optical signals and technological modification of the cosmic environment. (Author/KHR)

Suggests that the subject of time travel is the best topic to introduce ideas behind some of the most beautiful and fundamental theories about the nature of space and time. Explains the distinction between the two directions of time travel and how relativity theory forced the abandonment of Newtonian notions about the nature of time. (Author/KHR)

Presents a rearranged general chemistry curriculum in a sequence thought to be more logical to students than the traditional sequence. (Author/KHR)

Presents a five-year plan to produce specific and detailed proposals to influence curriculum practice. (MKR)

Gives a brief historical view of field trips, summarizes various studies of the implementation of science field trips, and provides suggestions for integrating field trips into the science curriculum. (22 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents a review and analysis of major reform efforts in science education and summarizes the Constructivist Learning Theory. Contends that changes in teaching, not curriculum, are the key to effective reform. (51 references) (Author/MKR)

This article challenges the position that school science curricula should be expanded to include examples of sciences from other cultures on the basis that modern science includes people who represent a wide range of cultural beliefs and customs who agree on the nature of science. (LZ)