Rural schools may have an advantage over urban schools in science teaching if sciences are perceived as means of exploring our surroundings, are presented as many viewpoints of one overall picture, and are taught in a form that deals with human situations. Collaboratively taught, rural science curricula can include study of agricultural ecology,…

This is one of four major subdivisions of a set of individualized evaluation material for Level II of the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) developed as a part of the ISCS Individualized Teacher Preparation (ITP) program. The manual contains a composite list of selected measurable objectives for Level II of the ISCS program. It is…

This study is concerned with the relative amount of overlap or duplication existing between the first two years of the liberal arts college and the last two years of secondary school in the areas of English, science, social studies, and mathematics. Financial problems and other valid areas for concern are also explored: 1) How valid may repetition…

This is a list of curriculum projects supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) which include materials with environmental implications even though the titles may not necessarily indicate that this is the case. Other NSF programs listed are: The Summer Institutes in Environmental Sciences for Secondary School Teachers; Summer Conferences…

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2003 is the third in a continuing cycle of international mathematics and science assessments conducted every four years. TIMSS assesses achievement in countries around the world and collects a rich array of information about the educational contexts for learning mathematics and…

Describes trends related to declining mathematics and science achievement test scores of graduating high school seniors. Reports that scores of students intending to major in college mathematics and science have been stable over time. Discusses implications for education policy, particularly in science in elementary grades. (CS)

Concern over student opinion questionnaires expressing widespread dissatisfaction with the basic science curriculum of the University of Texas Medical Branch prompted efforts to improve the curriculum. With the help of the University's Office of Research in Medical Education, improvements were made that increased student satisfaction and improved…

Investigates the construction of understanding of the motion of an object down an inclined plane which takes place through the process of model building in an integrated algebra, trigonometry, and physics class. Discusses four major themes related to student learning through modeling that emerged from the results. Discusses implications for…

Explains the rationale, program specifics and initiatives for the preparation and development of staff, curriculum, instructional support, and research for science education in the United States. Includes total program cost for each. (RT)

Examines the role of technology in (1) the move toward national science standards; (2) science curriculum changes; (3) hands-on science; (4) the potential of networking teachers; and (5) science assessment. Lists products for a new science literacy and support, services, and resources for science teachers. (MDH)

This article is about one school district's effort to reform its elementary science curriculum through a program of professional development called Science, Parents, Activities and Literature (Science PALs). The differential exposure of the district's K-6 teachers to Science PALs and differences in how well teachers implemented Science PALs-type…

Teacher identity development and change is shaped by the interrelationship between personal biography and experience and professional knowledge linked to the teaching environment, students, subject matter, and culture of the school. Working from this framework, this study examines how beginning teacher interns who are part of an alternative route…

The work we report in this special issue attempted to exploit the power of technology and cognitive theory to help make conceptual systems taught in large college courses truly useful in students' future lives. Facing evidence that traditional instructional models have not succeeded in this regard, we sought feasible course designs and…

We describe a case study of an in-service professional development project with four experienced biology teachers in two upper secondary schools. The objective was to better understand the role of laboratory work (labwork) in science education with a special emphasis on assessment. Research questions include the following: 1. What does the teacher…

This article describes Project Breakthrough, federally funded as a demonstration through the Javits Gifted and Talented Education Act. Project staff worked for 3 years with three elementary schools in South Carolina to train teachers in the use of language arts and science curriculum developed by the Center for Gifted Education at the College of…