The people at Inverness Research Associates spent 12 years studying Community Science Workshops (CSW) in California and in six other states. They gathered statistics on the scale, scope, and cost-efficiency of CSW services to youth. They observed youth at work in the shops--taking apart computers, repairing bikes, growing plants, and so on--and…

What is science for a child? How do children learn about science and how to do science? Drawing on a vast array of work from neuroscience to classroom observation, "Taking Science to School" provides a comprehensive picture of what we know about teaching and learning science from kindergarten through eighth grade. By looking at a broad range of…

Proposes methods for the optimal popularization of science and technology to shape and influence public opinion about the utility of associated policies and goals. Emphasizes that such popularization should concentrate on enabling laypeople to acquire an adequate level of scientific and technological literacy, applicable to their everyday lives.…

Environmental education and interpretive facilities in Texas were surveyed to determine how a state education reform bill affected their attendance, management, and programing. Findings indicated that attendance declined during the 12 months following the passage of legislation. Programing and management changes were made to adapt to the bill.…

This report presents selected data on adults' participation in educational activities in the United States, excluding full-time only enrollments in college/university or vocational/technical credential programs, over a 12-month period from 2004-05. Historically, full-time only participation in postsecondary (college and vocational) programs has…

Eighty-six teachers' perspectives on mandatory/other mandatory, voluntary, and non-formal inservice education were studied. Findings indicated that formal inservice education that did not accompany mandatory program changes were not effective in changing classroom behavior of teachers. The study resulted in recommendations for school…

Describes the Nuffield project that served as a resource for science centers across England and as a vehicle for the European Collaborative for Science, Industry, and Technology Exhibitions. Discusses the network of contacts extending from the BBC and British Association to science centers worldwide following the inception of the project by the…

Presents viewpoints on the 1988 budget preparation process for science education. Includes perspectives on: the National Science Foundation (NSF) budget process; undergraduate education; informal science education; teacher education; technical assistance; research and development; and meeting the needs of the underserved and underrepresented. (ML)

American science policy as related to the role and operation of museum research is examined in this report of the hearings of the Congressional Committee on Science and Technology. Focus is given to how museums fit into the overall picture of United States research activity and to the composition of and future requirements for financial support.…

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…

This paper on adult informal learning is divided into four sections. Section 1 examines different conceptions of informal learning and the issues and limitations associated with alternative definitions of informal learning. Section 2 is a review of empirical research on the estimated extent, role, and outcomes of informal learning and posited…

The documents enclosed in this report provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the progress made in developing a network organization capable of supporting nanoscience education for the public on a national scale. There is a logic to the studies that were done and to the reports that are included in this notebook. The following are the…

In outlining a national strategy for environmental education in India, this document describes some current and future efforts of the Center for Environmental Education at Ahmedabad. It provides an historical account of India's environmental problems and its recent efforts at addressing those problems in light of rapid developmental efforts and…

Asserts that scientific details presented informally in newspapers can be of educational value within school science instruction when used carefully and critically. Suggests that one of the aims of the science curriculum should be the development of students' willingness and ability to study newspaper science with understanding and healthy…

Describes population education efforts underway in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. Discusses various approaches being implemented, involving workshops, conferences, teaching modules, and demonstrations in elementary and secondary school, higher education, and in nonformal education.…