Describes the objectives and the impact of the Double Helix Science Club upon students, teachers, and the nonschool community. This club, which has become a major concern in Australia with a membership of over 16,000 and a magazine distribution approaching 30,000, provides an effective vehicle for many teachers and public servants looking to…

Presented is a policy regarding vivisection, dissection, and other use of animals in biology classrooms. Alternative teaching techniques are stressed. The organizational responsibility regarding this issue is discussed. (CW)

Expresses concern over recent actions by coalitions of neighborhood activists and animal rightists in the San Francisco area that are seeking to block new biology laboratories. Argues that costly delays and disurption of research could result. (TW)

The issues of reproductive choice and domination of women through the use of reproductive technologies have placed feminists at odds with the medical profession and consumers. Inspired by the Feminist International Network of Resistance to Reproductive and Genetic Engineering (FINRRAGE), this collection of 21 essays advances a critical analysis of…

Discusses the portrayal of science and scientists on prime-time television and assesses the impact that it has on public conceptions of science. Reports that television cultivates a less than favorable orientation toward science and scientists. Offers recommendations for improvement. (ML)

Based on the premise that science and technology directly affect a wide range of personal activities and impact policy issues of national and international importance, this report aims to show why it matters that all sections of the public should have some understanding of science and to stimulate action by scientists and others to improve this…

Discusses what is currently known about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), including routes for the transmission of the AIDS virus, the prevention of AIDS, and some of the non-issues regarding the disease. Urges community leaders and teachers to become more involved in AIDS education. (TW)

Discusses concerns about public understanding of science in the United Kingdom in relation to structure and content of newspapers, particularly the inadequacy of the press to be a vehicle for promoting scientific literacy within the citizenry. Argues that changes in science coverage by the media must originate from the scientific community with…

Describes entertainment and leisure activities with an information content that serve as informal sources of scientific knowledge available to the community. Discusses the present lack of communication and cross-referencing among the diverse groups concerned with the informal presentation of science and calls for greater sharing of ideas, data,…

Draws distinctions between classical and modern concepts of democracy. Contrasts Pythagoras' dislike of factions with Madison's support for economic differentiation and religious toleration. Discusses Aristotle's and Noah Webster's ideas on addressing class tensions. Examines early U.S. theorists' suspicions of direct democracy and support for…

Offers an interview with Radim Palous, rector of Prague's (Czechoslovakia) Charles University. Explores the development of the university's social sciences department. Identifies the influence of the former Marxist-Leninist regime on the university. Reviews Palous' experiences as a dissident philosopher and teacher. Examines the role of the…

Ways teachers have used insects in and out of the classroom to help nurture children's fascination are discussed. Projects for elementary, secondary, and college classes are described. (CW)

This overview presents a list of topics and questions concerned with the utilization of new methods of information storage and dissemination by libraries and university presses, a list of considerations related to the functions and goals of these institutions, and technological considerations for publishers in the areas of electronic publishing…

Reports on a study that questions whether private enterprise can maintain quality while reducing costs of providing social welfare services. Reviews three aspects of privatization: (1) competitive markets; (2) rationality; and (3) cost reduction. Concludes by questioning a central claim of economic theory: that free markets and private firms are…

This document provides nine papers presented at a 2-day conference where representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) described the future of space exploration and discussed the implications of that future for educators. The proceedings begins with an introduction by Ralph Winrich, NASA Aerospace Education…