Argues that the alliance between the government and the scientific establishment has resulted in reforms that do not help future citizens in understanding the complexities of the social relations of science and technology. Presents evidence of a return to a conception of scientific literacy in which the central mythology of value-free science is…

Presents the National Science Education Standards as an exceptionally well researched tool intended to assist teachers in curriculum development. Describes an activity that meets the standards and encourages students to work together. (JRH)

Describes the state of physics education in China as determined by visits to eight universities, one middle school, and one kindergarten noted for their reputations for innovative instruction. (MDH)

Describes the use of the observational checklist as an alternative assessment method. Suggests scoring rubrics should be developed to allow students and teachers to understand what standards are expected. Example scoring rubrics for drawing conclusions, creating motion, and group/cooperation skills are presented. (PR)

Describes origin of amicus curiae brief submitted in response to the Louisiana Balanced Treatment Act for creation science and evolution science that had been struck down in the Federal Court of Louisiana in 1985 and was being appealed to the Supreme Court. Discusses the historical significance for the collective defining and defending of science…

This report synthesizes critical issues and questions associated with science curriculum reform for the purpose of establishing a research agenda. Section headings describing needed research are as follows: Science, Technology, and Cultural Needs; Schooling Needs; Science Education Needs; and Research in Science Education Needs. Contrasts and…

This article covers the following: (1) contrasts several perspectives on science education reform by examining recommendations for introductory science courses; (2) identifies research finding that can guide reform; (3) discusses the impact of research on national precollege curriculum reform; and (4) offers a set of recommendations to guide…

Suggests that a major reappraisal of school science education in England and Wales is urgent and relevant to other nations' science education programs as well. Suggests that science instruction should be centered in technologies that will directly affect students' lives. Argues that science imparts values in spite of a reputation for neutrality.…

Described is a course designed to demonstrate the interactions of science, technology, and society and present effective ways to integrate science/technology/societal issues into the curriculum. Included are the course development, goals, content, selection criteria, project impact, course evaluation, and conclusion. (KR)

Discusses the differences between Piagetian and post-Piagetian conceptions of intellectual development and the implications of these differences for science education in early childhood. (GLR)

Presents the idea that, to improve secondary science, school science teaching students must be taught to use the activities of science: questioning, information gathering, hypothesizing, testing and conveying, and confronting current issues and problems in science. Activities and ideas that can be used to help students understand and use the…

An evaluation was made of the use of a computer network in an undergraduate physics course at the University of Liverpool (England). Computer use by 54 students was assessed via path analysis techniques. Students' backgrounds are extremely important in connection with their use and perceived usefulness of computer networks. (SLD)

Review of nursing literature from 1924-39 found the belief that the purpose of liberal education for nurses was development of the individual and the citizen, acquisition of cultural knowledge, and development of critical thinking and a strong science background. Nursing education was felt to be of professional level and built on at least two…

Describes two writing assignments for students in a large physical geology class. For the first assignment, students write two descriptions of the same rock. One is written for students and the instructor the other for people with no background in geology. For the second assignment they write one of four topics. (Author/PR)

Describes the learning log as a personal journal divided into five sections. The "Noting" section functions as a typical notebook. The "Creating" section is for students to express themselves. Students use the "Telling" section to answer examination questions and write other assignments. In the "Listening"…