This article describes characteristics of students with disabilities with respect to four major domains of school functioning; identifies two major approaches to science education (content-oriented and activities-oriented); and analyzes the interaction of the characteristics of students with disabilities and the curricular approaches with respect…

Describes a college course that provides a challenging learning experience in science based upon famous experiments and observations dating from the time of Aristotle to the present day. Presents information concerning (1) the course organization, structure, laboratory development, and expectations; (2) course content by quarter; (3) evaluation of…

Describes the author's methods to establish what students enrolled in an introductory biology course for nonmajors know about biology prior to instruction. The project also compared preinstructional knowledge to postinstructional knowledge. Beginning students knew the least about plant transport/chemical control and cellular metabolism. Students…

Describes a college course that integrates science and literature. The primary focus is on the role of metaphor in scientific and literary thinking. Discusses literary works used and how they are related to science instruction. Describes the class format and rules for conducting the class. Student reaction to this course was strongly positive. (PR)

Discussed is the development of the science-technology-society (STS) rationale for curriculum and instruction. Presented is an effort to strengthen the rationale behind STS education by applying to it parallel theory and research taken for the wider curriculum field. (KR)

The purpose of this study was to determine the concerns of Texas science teachers about the 40 percent laboratory time rule just prior to enforcement and at the end of its first year of implementation. The methodology, results of the first and second years, conclusions, and implications for teaching science are discussed. (KR)

Bioscience education in optometric professional programs must be expanded in scope, raised to a higher level of academic rigor, and strengthened with new faculty and institutional learning resources. However, no single route of curriculum reform will guarantee successful innovation in the basic bioscience education of optometrists; several…

An introduction to Earth systems education describes a need and framework for an earth-systems focus in precollege curriculum. Challenges teachers to include this focus in science curriculum by following the guidelines presented in the Earth systems approach to science education. (five references) (MCO)

Provides insights on the causes of the poor writing skills of many students. Also included are suggestions for improving students' abilities to write. (ZWH)

Some developments in the World Wide Fund for Nature's Environmental Education Programme are discussed, in particular its research into whole school management of cross-curricular themes. Also considered is whether the so-called precautionary principle is an appropriate concept to include in the science curriculum and suggests the need for broad…

This article uses a science learning activity to demonstrate how Key Stage 3 of the British National Curriculum in science can be made accessible to students with special educational needs. It explains 11 steps of instructional development that help in identifying differentiated learning objectives and allow for appropriate assessments. (DB)

The research agenda of Ohio State University's National Center for Science Teaching and Learning focuses on five external influences on science teaching and learning and notes intellectual predispositions that guide its work. The article emphasizes the need for true intellectual interaction between educators, scientists, and policymakers. (SM)

Examined is the uniformity of curricula and instructional methods used in college biology education in the United States. Areas of special focus include curricula, introductory courses, laboratories, field experiences, faculty roles, undergraduate research, textbooks, ethics and values, encouraging underrepresented groups, capstone experiences,…

National Science Foundation support for instructional innovation in design curriculum is discussed. Programs that illustrate diverse approaches to teaching design are described. A list of programs given engineering curriculum development awards in 1988 and 1989 is provided. (CW)

Included are the general guidelines, outline, a summary of major intermedia transport processes, model features, a discussion of multimedia exposure and health risk, and a list of 50 suggested references for this course. (CW)