The successful implementation of the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program in a school district through the use of science curriculum leaders is described. The leaders were classroom teachers in the district. The role of the curriculum leaders is detailed. (CP)

Reviews the advanced chemistry course of the Nuffield O-Level Chemistry Project being developed in Great Britain. (SL)

Utilizes a factorial design with the variables "use or non-use of Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) inquiry slides" and "BSCS biology or non-BSCS biology." Eighteen classes of high school biology students were used in the study. Among other findings, groups using BSCS slides were found to be overall superior on…

Argues for the inclusion of a history of science component into the secondary school science curriculum. Provides examples of instances in which a historical perspective would be a suitable means to study a topic. (CP)

Describes changes and effects of the Israeli paper-and-pencil matriculation examination in biology since first analysis in 1972. The examination has been significant for implementing an inquiry-oriented high school biology program based on the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. Implications for upgrading science education are discussed.…

Discusses reasons for the failure of the post-Sputnik science curricula and offers criteria for selecting relevant curriculum content, suggesting that these curricula focus on problem-solving. Lists seven problem areas (technological, environmental, empirical, historical, aesthetic, philosophical, and futuristic) with recommended topics for each…

A Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) inquiry approach for university general biology laboratory was tested against a well-established commercial program judged to be highly directive. The BSCS was found to be more effective in learning biology laboratory concepts than the commercial program as measured by a laboratory concepts test.…

Discusses measurement techniques developed in the Nuffield A level physical science assessment and statistical results obtained in 1968 and 1971. Concludes that individual projects are contributors of positive and valuable educational experiences to the course. (CC)

An abstract of a doctoral dissertation which reviewed and evaluated seven science programs designed for junior high school students in terms of objectives, methods, materials, content, skills, and relation to other school levels. Strengths and weaknesses of the programs as a group and individually are listed. (AL)

Skills needed for problem-solving are discussed. Examples of defining problems, questioning, observing, classifying, predicting, and confirming are provided. An overview of the Elementary Science Study (ESS) program, including a list of ESS units (grouped by subject matter), is also provided. (Author/JN)

Science curriculum evaluation studies (1963-1978) were examined to assess impact of innovative curricula compared with traditional curricula on student learning outcomes. Results suggest students in secondary school science courses scored moderately better than students in traditional courses on innovative and neutral tests and negligibly lower on…

Provides rationale for interdisciplinary science curricula which emphasize decision-making skills. Includes examples of interdisciplinary curricula using an issue-centered approach: Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary School (USMES), Health Activities Program (HAP), Human Sciences Program (HSP), Individualized Science Instructional…

Provides an explanation and background material for the use of time lines to predict positions of five planets. (DS)

Presents an interview with Fletcher G. Watson, best known to physics teachers as codirector of Harvard Project Physics. Dr. Watson speaks of his career as a science educator, history of science, Piaget, state of science education in the United States, and curriculum projects, among other topics. (SK)