Argues that systems thinking can be developed by experiential learning activities which complement both intradisciplinary projects and technical knowledge inputs. Discusses the development of systems thinking, the form of engineering curricula, and assessment. (Author/YP)

Develops a teaching scheme for 11-13 year-olds based on different types of investigational practical work. Includes discussion of difficulties in investigations, four types of investigations, and deployment in the curriculum. (YP)

Presents the mathematics of body size and surface area to volume. Examines arguments used related to the topic. Concludes that while some of the traditional arguments are valid, most are not. One analysis for an organism is provided in an appendix. (YP)

Summarizes the efforts for developing guidelines for chemistry education, such as "Guidelines for Chemistry in the Two-Year Colleges" (1970); "Tomorrow" (1984); "Critical Issues in Two-Year College Chemistry" (1986); and "Guidelines for Chemistry and Chemical Technology Programs in Two-Year Colleges" (1988).…

Describes a study designed to determine whether the Biology Critical Thinking (BCT) project (which incorporates activities for developing specific critical thinking skills into the biology curriculum) enhances critical thinking skills and how it affects students' biological knowledge and classroom learning environment. Results indicate that BCT…

Describes efforts aimed at reforming physics courses for first-year engineering and science students at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey. Discusses the establishment and working of the Physics Learning Center (PLC) and its impact on the retention and performance of students. (JRH)

Discusses the need for integration of the learner's culture into the academic and social context of the science classroom to aid and support academic learning. Presents a typology of cultural inclusion that enables science teachers to determine the extent that currently used instructional strategies, curriculum, textbooks and other resources,…

Describes the Science Enrichment Program (SEP), a multicultural summer program that aims at helping participants identify their special aptitudes and develop their particular interests through a multitude of hands-on experiences so that they can identify with an area of science. (JRH)

Discusses the implications of Wallis Suchting's comprehensive search for a definition of the nature of scientific thought for helping students develop scientific thinking skills and an adequate understanding of the nature of science. Discusses implications that relate specifically to the science education community's current conceptions of science…

Describes a Principles of Technology course as an innovative approach to teaching physics that does away will the hype and stigma that frightens off many potential students. (PR)

Presents the five goals and supporting outcomes that represent students' knowledge and habits of mind resulting from participation in a pre-K through grade-13 science education programs in Ohio. The five goals are in the following areas: (1) the nature of science, (2) the physical setting, (3) the living environment, (4) societal perspectives, and…

Discusses four topics: (1) provides some background to the science-technology society (STS) movement; (2) suggests an expanded STS curriculum model for topics related to energy education; (3) applies the expanded model to one example of curriculum development; and (4) draws implications from the model for developing curriculum and instruction on…

Examines what can be done to reintroduce content and process instruction from the earth sciences into the world's science curricula, especially at the secondary level. The earth system provides a conceptual theme as opposed to a disciplinary theme for organizing such integrated curricula, absent from prior efforts. (LZ)

Discusses important features of the National Science Education Standards. Argues that the burden of implementing the standards must not be placed solely on teachers' shoulders. (10 references) (JRH)

Describes evaluation activities after a seven-week unit on botany and natural communities in a fifth-grade class. The six tasks designed for multiple learning styles include writing a topical essay, drawing and labeling plant parts, clinical interviews, group discussion, concept mapping, and evaluating questions. (PR)