Describes a classroom activity that explores the strength of spaghetti. Provides students an opportunity to explore a common substance in a scientific way; measure the strength of various sizes and amounts of spaghetti; gather, record, and translate quantitative data; use calculators; and present data. (YDS)

Investigates the relationship between science and technology in industrial research laboratories, comparing the lab as "ivory tower" with the customer-oriented science approach. Describes similar patterns in science and technology curricula. Concludes that mutual commitment and shared project work would benefit integration of science and…

Discusses the "National Science Education Standards" released by the National Research Council in 1995, as it relates to teaching young children. Focuses on two areas: "Science Teaching Standards," how teachers should be facilitating scientific understanding in young children; and "Science Content Standards," what…

Details a project designed to bolster the quality of astronomy education through teacher workshops. Workshop topics include the solar system, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The Learning Approach Questionnaire (LAQ) is used to determine the effects of the workshops. (DDR)

Winners of the National Future Farmers of America Agriscience Teacher of the Year Award (n=131) generally believed that integrating science helps students understand concepts and their agricultural applications and that integration would increase enrollment. They felt teachers needed more preparation time for integration. (SK)

Describes one way that a school and community in South Carolina are meeting Goal Eight of Goals 2000 by involving parents and their children in two family science programs called the World of Wonders and Families Experiencing Science Together. (DDR)

Discusses the policy and practice implications of five articles published in this issue. Argues that the "one size fits all" approach cannot work in systemic reform. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)

Presents a description for an undergraduate course designed to ensure that all science students have access to basic abilities early enough to apply them in their major. Focuses on scientific writing, speaking, literature searching, career planning, and other valuable skills that can prepare students for upper-level courses and entry into the job…

Analyzes two initiatives in Australian education that have attempted to influence the future directions of high school chemistry curricula: the concept of a national curriculum encompassing eight key learning areas and the reform processes of individual state governments. Presents a radically different syllabus produced by the State of Victoria as…

Analyzes the role of standards in science curriculum development and professional development. Discusses the difficulty of interpreting standards and describes experiences from a curriculum forum. (YDS)

Analyzes current examples of the integration of academic and occupational curriculum in science and technology education in light of issues developed in two historical failures. Discusses the differential status of academic and applied science, the importance of support from groups such as industry and postsecondary institutions, and the lack of…

Presents three interlinked studies aimed at developing a curricular framework for physics education; assessing student interest in the contents, contexts, and activities that are suggested by that curricular framework; and developing a curriculum that is in line with that framework and measuring its cognitive and emotional effects on students.…

Reports on the approaches of two classroom science teachers, supported by a research group, to understanding the consequences of a classroom change implemented in response to a perceived problem. Focuses on the consequences of using problem solving tasks for all students. (Author/YDS)

Explores the notion of science teachers' professionalism and challenges the beguiling notion of best practice. Argues that science teachers' ownership of their own work imposes on the power of external agencies to effect change. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/ASK)

Suggests that the contribution of history and philosophy of science (HPS) to science education can be enhanced through a consideration of scientific models. Analyzes the curriculum and textbooks for 14-16 year olds in Brazil and the United Kingdom and identifies the use of hybrid models. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/YDS)