This paper features a summary of comments and suggestions from participants in the Alberta Science Education Leaders' Symposia on the future of secondary science education. Topics discussed include needs, challenges, and concerns in science education; suggestions for change; renewing secondary science programs; professional development of…

This article takes the form of a letter from a distressed elementary school teacher who has been assigned the responsibility of a science program. It is intended to sensitize science educators to what they are asking and what they are taking for granted in their expectations of elementary teachers. (JR)

Describes a science-oriented photography program offered during the summer to sixth-grade students. The program aims to increase visual literacy, and students spend considerable time in planning, taking, arranging, and using self-made photographs for the intentional communication of meaning. (JR)

Article says that not enough stress is placed in the teaching of science in the secondary schools, and presents a number of curriculum options. (ML)

Discusses faculty and student contributions to student academic failure, suggesting changes in the chemistry curriculum to accommodate increased numbers of non-traditional students. Also suggests creating compensatory programs, leaving content and teaching system intact for traditional students. Factors in developing such programs are considered.…

Highlights activities of the National Science Teachers' Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) program. The program involves searching for exemplary programs which can become models for designing new programs. A list of six SESE exemplars chosen for onsite study is provided. (JN)

Since children draw no sharp distinction between work and play, it is possible to link science and drama in school, integrating science learning with the rest of their education. The success of this approach is attested by descriptions of four dramatic presentations which were finalists in an interschool competition. (Author/JN)

Principals can improve programs by becoming science advocates (to teachers, students, and parents), constructing and pushing a science curriculum plan, ensuring annual funds for science materials, providing needed inservice experiences, monitoring the program, and handling likely problems. A 73-item checklist is provided for evaluating current…

Compared effectiveness of a Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS)-style laboratory program in a university general biology course against a popular traditionally oriented program. Although learning gains for both groups were significant, students using the BSCS-style investigations scored significantly higher on a posttest of laboratory…

Describes current efforts of a project designed to improve girls' attitudes toward physical science and craft subjects and to elect more science classes, including raising teachers' awareness of girls' underachievement, testing attitudes/knowledge for later comparison, and arranging school visits by working women to act as role models. (JN)

Describes the "Space Camp" program for boys and girls at the Alabama Space and Rocket Center (Huntsville, Alabama), including typical activities. Includes address for obtaining information on participation in the program. (JN)

Compares two programs which enable high school students to take college courses for credit: Advanced Placement (AP) Program and Syracuse University Project Advance Program. Discusses instructional methods, college credit, teacher involvement, student benefits, and problems, to show advantages of the latter program. (DC)