Many of the educational policy initiatives of state legislatures and state boards of education in the 1980s were aimed at improving the quality of elementary and secondary education through upgrading state standards. Researchers are analyzing the effects of reforms on education and many states have expanded their systems for assessing, monitoring,…

This document contains the abstracts of the presentations made at this conference. Topics of presentations included: (1) linking research and science teaching using community resources; (2) planning science teacher workshops; (3) school-related recycling programs; (4) improving student attitudes toward science; (5) rural science teaching; (6)…

Major efforts are underway to identify and define a science of science education which will reverse the relationship between research and program development. This trend is toward using research on how learners grow and develop prior to program development and the organization of instructional techniques. Clear scientific explanations of how…

Focusing on the use of common, everyday materials that can be obtained for free or purchased inexpensively, this document was developed to provide classroom teachers, youth leaders, camp counselors and parents with ideas and activities in science. A major emphasis is placed on "starter" activities, which are designed to encourage…

As traditional medical school curricula began to be criticized in the 1950s, various alternatives were proposed, including the organ-system based curriculum (organized around the organ systems of the body) and the problem-based curriculum (organized around clinical problems). From an open systems perspective, any such medical school curriculum…

This science curriculum guide provides a framework for science teachers of grades K-12 in the Leominster Public School System, Massachusetts. It represents the efforts of teachers and higher education faculty. An introductory section provides a philosophical statement on the nature of science and perspectives in the learning and teaching of…

Perspectives on the nature of subject matter in science are offered in this paper. It is proposed that science and its context are better viewed as shifting rather than remaining fixed. The rational, moral, and authentic nature of science is explained in reference to education in general and more specifically to the contexts of the science teacher…

This review of research in science education consists of 432 reports published in 1985. Data sources include science education journals that regularly appear in the "Current Index to Journals in Education," reports entered into the ERIC system in "Resources in Education," and dissertations reported in "Dissertation…

Designed primarily for practicing teachers and for use in pre- and in-service courses in science education, this book focuses on how 10- to 15-year-old children learn science. Findings are analyzed and suggestions are offered for improving the teaching/learning process. Issues are discussed and organized into five major sections. These include:…

This curriculum guide, developed to establish statewide curriculum standards for the Louisiana Competency-based Education Program, contains the minimum competencies and process skills that should be included in a general science course. It consists of: (1) a rationale for an effective science program; (2) a list and description of four major goals…

This curriculum guide, developed to establish statewide curriculum standards for the Louisiana Competency-based Education Program, encompasses those standards that must be included in the elementary school (kindergarten to grade 6) science program. It consists of: (1) a rationale for an effective elementary school science program; (2) a list and…

The theme of this conference was intended to reflect the changes in the economic and educational environment and the changing perceptions of science educators in the United States and in the United Kingdom since the first such seminar which occurred in 1982. The document includes the text of the keynote address by F. James Rutherford entitled…

This publication is one in a series of 12 giving the recommendations that were made for a broad and balanced education program in science for young people. Section one of this guide discusses gender-related issues raised by examining the interests, attitudes, aspirations and behavior that young people bring with them into science classes. Section…

The editors of "The American School Board Journal" and "The Executive Educator" magazines recently invited school leaders from across North America to send in curriculum ideas that work. From among the 1,026 entries that were submitted, a panel of judges selected 100, which are published in this special report. Criteria for selection included (1)…

During the period 1984-1986, over 30 teachers from the Yorkshire (England) region have worked in collaboration with the Children's Learning in Science Project (CLIS) developing and testing teaching schemes in the areas of energy, particle theory, and plant nutrition. The project is based upon the constructivist approach to teaching. This booklet…