The Learning in Science Project has adopted the view that science teaching might be improved if teachers can be given some appreciation of students' views of the world and the beliefs, expectations, and language that learners bring to new learning situations. This investigation compares and contrasts views that children and scientists have on…

Children come to school with a foundation for formal learning from their early experiences with interactions of the natural and technological world. Failure of elementary schools to build on this experience can discourage children, especially those who do not identify readily with the science establishment (girls, blacks, Hispanics, and the…

This journal issue discusses the idea that 1988 was a year in which "green thinking" and environmental matters came to the top of the political and public agenda. At the same time, environmental education received new recognition as a vital dimension of education having relevance to all. In 1989, it seems likely that environmental…

This document is a supplement to the Annual Review of Environmental Education and contains a summary of the 1987-88 annual report of the Council for Environmental Education. Reports are also given from 19 member organizations including: Association of Agriculture; Association of Agricultural Education Staffs; British Ecological Society; Center for…

Reviews the performance of U.S. students in science and mathematics achievement as compared to 17 other countries, as reported in two surveys released by the National Science Foundation. Discusses the results of a research study done by Iris Weiss. Points out deficiencies and trends in American science education. (CW)

The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework concerning writings about the future of biology education. Methods, procedures, and results are presented. A list of 112 articles about the future found in the journal "The American Biology Teacher" from 1938-88 is included. (CW)

Examined is the relative status of school variables versus home variables to explain the variance in science achievement. The contribution of school variables was found to be both subject specific--larger in subjects taught in school and less dependent on general ability, and system specific--larger in low socioeconomic schools. (Author/CW)

Describes the Second International Science Study. Analyzes several variables mitigating the interpretative power of the study, including different needs and agendas, cultural bias, equivalence of data, data analysis, student retention rates, comparability of target populations, and test validity. (YP)

Described are the rationale, methodology, and findings of seven case studies designed to investigate the teaching and learning strategies employed in science classes by exemplary teachers. Findings focused on management strategies, student understanding, student participation, and classroom environment. (CW)

Presented is one approach to the reform of earth science education. Discussed are conceptual themes, the role of elementary school science, the development of positive science attitudes, selection of topics and the role of the geologist. (CW)

Surveys of program graduates of a model science teacher education program were compared with responses from a national sample of exemplary teachers. Results indicated a high degree of similarity between the two groups and provided evidence that a good preservice science teacher education can have a positive effect on the development of preservice…

This paper describes how the Canadian province of Saskatchewan responded to demands for science curriculum renewal. Eleven topics for discussion in the science education field study were posed and reactions from teachers and administrators are reported. (YP)

The mission of the National Center for Improving Science Education, a partnership between the NETWORK, Inc., and the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS), is to promote changes in science curricula, science teaching, and assessment of student learning in science. The center analyzes and makes recommendations for policy and practice at the…

This report describes and interprets findings from a 1981-82 national assessment in science conducted by the Minnesota Science Assessment and Research Project (SARP). SARP tested 18,000 students randomly selected from across the nation. The assessment instruments included items on science content, inquiry, role of science and technology in…

Many school staff and their client communities are concerned about pupil achievement, skills, and attitudes related to the environment. To respond to these concerns, staff need to determine how they can improve their environmental education programs by modifying the content and skills emphasized in the curriculum, and supplementing instructional…