Outlines the general revision of university studies which has occurred in Finland since the late 1960s. Physiology training in five universities is described, the future development of teaching in physiology and related subjects is discussed, and the contribution of physiology to postgraduate education and training is reviewed. (CS)

Discusses: (1) the nature of science; (2) Ausubel's learning theory and its application to introductory science; and (3) mathematics and physics instruction. Outlines a checklist approach to Certificate of Extended Education (CSE) practical assessment in biology. (JN)

Argues that naturalistic research is appropriate for studying science education. Stages of naturalistic research are explained and illustrated with material from NSF-sponsored Case Studies in Science Education. Problems in traditional research methods are presented as justification for inductive models or models based on multiple methods,…

Considers an aspect of children's thinking and learning: the set of beliefs or expectations they hold about the way natural phenomena occur and how they affect the sense pupils make of experiences we give them in science classes. Implications for instruction are addressed. (Author/SK)

Highlights findings of assessment studies indicating importance of emphasizing science/society theme in science/social studies curricula. Suggests linking learning experiences in science/social studies by discussing public issues related to science and fostering decision-making as a way of thinking about public issues and policies. (Author/JN)

Science educators (N=28) were asked to indicate whether 23 policy statements and 24 corresponding statements of needed research (appearing in "Crisis in Science Education") represented a critical need, a definite need or a low priority need. Statements seen as critically important by one-half or more respondents are listed and discussed.…

Reviews physics curricula and instructional practices and materials (films, television, computers) at the secondary and college levels. Includes discussion of physics majors and teachers, examinations and testing, and the role of the National Science Foundation (NSF). (JN)

Reviews "Green Survival, It's Something You Do," an audiovisual program developed by the American Association of Nurserymen to develop students' awareness of the environmental benefits of green plants, and to encourage participation in individual/community landscape improvements. Also reviews the revised Addison-Wesley K-6 science program. (JN)

Thought papers, research findings, and program descriptions pertaining to science education are presented. Topics include inservice education for primary science, curriculum development, factors affecting science provision for 10- to 14-year-olds, science programs for the gifted, thinking in science lessons, and the nature of scientific knowledge.…

The author presents an analysis of alternative views about why students should learn science, shares some anecdotal impressions about the heuristic potential of the concept "curriculum emphases" in a practical setting, and examines some problems related to teaching science to early adolescents. (Author/PB)

Compares the effectiveness of an Extended Discretion (ED) laboratory approach (exercising independent judgment) to a BSCS Green Version laboratory program. Results from 10 classes taught by five teachers, each teaching one experimental and one control group, favor the ED approach on a number of measures. (Author/JN)

Reported is a needs assessment conducted in 40 Massachusetts school systems to determine what elementary school science teachers perceive should comprise their inservice training. Findings suggest that programs focus on the metric system, environmental science, more science knowledge, and better science methods. (Author/SA)

Describes research focusing on factors that might predict success in a Basic Science Skills course for preservice elementary teachers (N=113). (DS)

Described is Xavier University of Louisiana Piagetian-based general chemistry program. Laboratory experiments are in the learning cycle format and place emphasis on learning by doing. Aspects of the curriculum described include synopses of content covered, laboratory-preceding lectures, list of laboratory experiments covered, and evaluation of the…

Presented are critical comments on the British Schools Council, Science Committee, Programmes of Work 1980-82, and financial allocations to various curriculum and instructional projects. The author's personal frustrations while serving on the Science Committee are also given. (JN)