The author reviews the past few years of experience gained in English schools of mixed-ability teaching in science and makes some personal interpretations of the lessons to be learned from that experience. It is hoped that some of these issues will be of relevance to other countries. (Author/SK)

Discusses interests of various social groups in supporting trend to help students relate science to current issues and practical applications, pointing to issues in science/technology/society (STS) curricula that need to be addressed by science teachers and describing some organizational decisions that need to be made in developing STS curriculum…

Traces changes made in teaching about energy in science classes during the last 30 years. Emphasizes the need to better relate science to society and the environment. Outlines the general format and sample activities from the "Science in Society" project as an example. (DC)

Level of operational thinking required (cognitive demand) for concepts or problems and test items on the mole concept was determined and compared to the Piagetian levels of thinking of 71 students. Pupil cognitive level was positively associated with overall unit test scores and with percent success on all test items. (Author/SK)

Describes a course to present secondary teachers with an overview of the energy problem and provide technical background required for an understanding of energy conservation methods and future alternatives. Emphasis placed on subject matter that can be incorporated into secondary school curricula. (Author/JN)

Summarizes Part I of an NSF report on the status of science and engineering education in the United States. Recommends increasing public awareness of the need for excellence in science and technology and proposes four courses of action for improving curricula, and helping teachers. (SK)

Describes aspects of biology education in China, discussing school organization, science curriculum at primary and secondary levels, biology curriculum, environmental education, biology instruction, Chinese students, school factories, informal science education, popularization of science, college entrance requirements, and preservice and inservice…

Discusses the problems of adapting science curriculum materials from one country to another and from one language to another. The history of science curriculum adaptation and a systematic approach to curriculum adaptation are also included. (HM)

Describes the outcomes of the consultation phase of a curriculum development project in science education in Great Britain. Raises issues which remain to be addressed in the future, including how science contributes to preparation for the world of work, and definitions of content. (DDR)

Described are four interdisciplinary units entitled "A Very Fishy Unit,""Building Healthy Bodies Unit,""Hands-On Plants Units," and "Butterflies Spell Beauty Unit." Each unit contains science activities, skills and concepts covered, and activities that cover other disciplines. (KR)

Discussed is a way to develop an integrated unit based on a fictional book. An example for constructing a unit is included as well as activities from units that consider birds, volcanoes, and measurement. Each unit contains a summary, topic areas, content-related words, activities, related books and references. (KR)

Described is a mobile hands-on science program called "Light Works" that is brought directly into the classroom. The reasons for the implementation of "Light Works" into primary classrooms is discussed. The advantages and operation of this program are included. (KR)

Identifies some mathematics and science skills required for successful performance in entry-level positions filled by high school graduates and determines if a group of high school graduates in the work force have those skills by using a needs assessment technique. (YP)

Evaluates 5 courseware packages covering the topics of simple harmonic motion, 7 packages for wave motion, and 10 packages for sound. Discusses the price range, sub-topics, program type, interaction, time, calculus required, graphics, and comments of each courseware. Selects several packages based on the criteria. (YP)

Reviews evidence in support of the primacy of the personal relevance orientation in science education. Provides a quick review of four other orientations and their shortcomings for curriculum planning. Orientation reviews focus on: (1) the development of cognitive processes; (2) social adaptation and reconstruction; (3) academic rationalism; and…