The results of a National Research Council report on the status of biology education in the United States are discussed. Poorly trained and supported teachers, a curriculum that seems designed to snuff out interest, inappropriately used standardized tests, and textbooks that are often inaccurate and misleading were found. Recommendations are…

Provides short synopsis of biochemical education leading to a master of science degree at the University of Gulbarga, India. Discusses admissions policy, teaching methods, seminar availability, evaluation schemes, student input, current research areas and projects, and liaison with other institutions and industry. (JJK)

Sections in this article discuss (1) Science Literacy Needs; (2) Science Education Goals; (3) National Science Teachers Association; (4) Science, Sequence, and Coordination of Secondary School Science (SS&C); (5) Philosophy of SS&C; (6) Geosciences and SS&C; and (7) Geoscience Organization Contributions. (PR)

Discusses Joseph Schwab, a reformer who worked on the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS), noting how BSCS texts implemented his ideas, and the reformer Gerald Holton's ideas, arguing for a science curriculum that includes social dimensions, attitudes associated with inquiry, and processes employed to construct scientific knowledge. (SM)

Presented are the findings of a naturalistic case study of science teacher thinking. The role of personal practical theories and curricular and instructional decisions is discussed. Suggested implications of understanding personal theorizing of science teachers and science teacher educators are included. (KR)

A phenomenological explanation of this effect is provided. Suggestions for the inclusion of pyroelectric effects into a unit on electrostatics are given. (CW)

Explains how radiographs (from X-rays) can be used in elementary and middle-school curricula. (PR)

In this two-year study with elementary teachers, using a supplemental science instructional resource, "Superscience," it was found that teachers' internal beliefs about what will benefit their students are linked to the external constraints of their students' interests and the expected curriculum. Teachers were not likely to use the…

Surveyed 232 college students in an introductory biology course on their attitudes and perceptions on aspects of biology that they should have covered in high school science. Results indicated majority of students felt very or somewhat familiar with the topics covered in the survey. A sizable majority of students were only somewhat familiar with…

Presents a series of exercises to help students understand the importance of the limits of taxonomic keys and to identify the appropriate levels. Introductory activities include having students classify screws, "gummy bears," and beans. (PR)

Survey results contrast teachers' (n=159) knowledge and understanding with the understanding levels expected by England's science National Curriculum. Teacher's understanding with respect to the concepts of force, energy, and changes in materials are discussed. (Contains 29 references.) (MDH)

Describes the "Physics by Inquiry" course that is designed to address student misconceptions. Explains how the course was taught at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for teachers and how it was taught at Ohio State University for elementary-education majors. Concludes the course is exportable to many different environments…

Rebuts the case made by Donald Williams in "Making a Case for the Science Specialist." Argues that using science specialists gives the impression that science is only for certain people. Considers points made by preservice teachers in Williams' article concerning attitude, curricular concerns, and teaching science using real-life…

Describes scientific and technical accomplishments of the Chinese in developing earthquake detection procedures, paper making, and medicine and of Islamic people in developing astronomy and mechanical engineering. (PR)

Investigates the assumption that girls will benefit from performance-based or hands-on science classrooms, by examining changes in students' attitudes toward science over the school year. Contains 46 references. (DDR)