Uses alternative theoretical lenses, methodological approaches, and sources of information to seek insights on the aggregate of factors currently influencing a reconceptualization of education in the sciences. Concludes that reform should be based on the dynamics of contemporary society, the characteristics of today's adolescents, and a…

Describes enrollment patterns of secondary students in A-level science courses. (MKR)

Presents a fictional account of a science teacher and her use of constructivism as a referent for her various roles. Describes how she came to teach in this manner, her involvement in staff development activities, and an evolution in her thinking from an objectivist to a constructivist system of semantics. Presents implications for the reform of…

Reviews 37 trade books recommended for use in the science curriculum, providing a brief annotation for each. Presents a 161-item general bibliography, with indications of grade level, listing more books not extensively reviewed in the article. (SR)

Author suggest the current unpopularity of science and technology may, in part, be a result of the nature of current provision--too much technology too soon. Suggests that pure science is what really interests bright teenagers, as well as being the seed of industrial innovation, and should be given a higher profile. (Author/PR)

This article describes some of the curricular and instructional frameworks conceived for science for the elementary grades, provides insight into the frameworks' origins and contents, and speaks to the appropriateness of the frameworks to help guide elementary science education into the twenty-first century. A list of 28 references is included.…

The author predicts trends in science education in the 1990s and gives suggestions to science educators. The four suggestions deal with the following: (1) organization, (2) guided discovery and multimodality instructional approaches, (3) time spent on science instruction, and (4) integration. (18 references) (PR)

Analyzes the process of large scale curriculum development. Locates the projects and their development within the range of approaches advocated in science education and considers the practical decisions taken during the development in relation to theories of curriculum development and change. (ZWH)

Offers some perspectives regarding philosophical and practical issues that need to be considered before decisions are made regarding initiatives to develop an entry-level certification program and development of accreditation standards for college and university environmental and related programs. (ZWH)

Provides an assessment of national standards for precollege science courses, specifically precollege botanical education. The article provides suggestions for instructors to aid in ensuring that more botany is taught at all educational levels. (ZWH)

Describes the work taking place on the National Science Education Standards and its three working groups of curriculum, assessment, and teaching. Discusses the implications of the standards for biology teachers. (PR)

Describes a worksheet developed to enable students to learn the rules for assigning oxidation states. Employs an active learning approach. Also includes a copy of the worksheet. (DDR)

Describes a proven three-step method used by teachers in Australia and the United States for developing assessment strategies to match existing science curricula. Includes sample assessments. (DDR)

Archaeology is the most integrated discipline that combines such diverse fields as anthropology, geology, biology, history, and art among others. Describes Project Archaeology's "Intrigue of the Past" teachers' activity guide, the objective of which is to educate students to take responsible and thoughtful actions towards their…

Stresses the value of graphing and computer algebra systems calculators when teaching about waves. Discusses how to input data into these calculators. Highlights the Texas Instruments' (TI) Web site at http://www.ti.com. (YDS)