People are becoming more aware of the dangers of smoking, but nonsmokers still find it difficult to avoid inhaling second-hand smoke. Ways to separate smokers from nonsmokers in public places and to get smokers to refrain from smoking in the presence of nonsmokers are discussed. (IS)

Provides a rationale for the use of science fiction materials to teach socialization and presents a list of resources for teachers, curriculum directors, and supervisors for use in developing lessons in this area. (FL)

Home economics can help students deal with social problems, learn to cope with their lives, make sound judgments, get along with family members, and manage their resources. Guidelines are given for implementing the new, socially significant home economics. (MJL)

Social consequences likely to result from the popularity of video game arcades among teenagers are considered. Views of social theorists are summarized; social and financial problems created by the games are discussed, as are possible advantages, such as development of quicker reflexes. Attempts to regulate arcade hours are noted. (PP)

The book titles suggested are merely an introduction to the vast realm of future studies. The novice reader should get started with several overviews and introductions, focus on reading one or more works by leading futurists, become familiar with both visions of "post-industrial society," and explore special problem areas. (RM)

Technology, Society, and You is a six-week interdisciplinary unit in the ninth-grade English curriculum in a West Virginia junior high school. The focus is on the interaction between technology and the individual, the opportunities and problems associated with its use, and the role that humans can play in influencing its direction. (SK)

Today's melodramas reveal significant trends in terms of gender, class, and the nature of tribulations. This article surveys the dominant features of family melodramas including soap operas, prime time serials such as "Dallas" and "Dynasty," and theatrical feature films. (PD)

Proposes a model through which researcher/educators can identify critical issues which confront large numbers of persons in the society, find the facts from research relevant to the issues, integrate these findings, and, restate them in language appropriate to the persons affected. Presents innovative ways of disseminating this information.…

The trend toward competency-based education and competency testing is the work of legislators and politicians, not educators. Some of the latter express serious reservations about it. The minimum competency testing movement is a result of the effort to integrate minorities into the mainstream of society. (JOW)

A literary critic addresses science-oriented readers as an outsider and reviews the division between literature and the sciences. A common meeting point is seen in today's world in such broad concerns as environmental pollution. (MP)

"The Eye," a newspaper produced by Youth Communication/Delaware Center, features stories about issues and problems that face Delaware teenagers which are researched, written, and edited by adolescents. The paper, first published in 1978, now has a monthly circulation exceeding 23,000 in 40 schools throughout the state. (Author/GC)

Controversy exists concerning interdisciplinary research, especially when it is related to national needs and societal problems. The role of central university administration is examined, along with how it might shape the future course and direction of research efforts. (Author/MLW)

Offers teachers and students at all levels some useful approaches to future studies, including a self-test for revealing assumptions that shape futures thinking. Education for life in the future must focus on values and techniques of problem solving since factual knowledge about future conditions can seldom be obtained. (AM)

The conclusion that differences in achievement in mathematics between males and females has a genetic basis is seen as based on a number of faulty assumptions. Concern about recent research that can lead to social damage when misquoted and misinterpreted is expressed. (MP)

Focuses on letters to the editor of the magazine "Chinese Youth" on the topic of personal reactions to modern life in China. Among opinions expressed are some despairing over the meaninglessness and hypocrisy of Chinese life, some expressing cynicism over official values, and some indicating appreciation of socialist values. (AM)