One in a series of publications on Illinois' State Goals for Learning, this report identifies what students are expected to know in the biological and physical sciences by the time they complete their elementary and secondary education. A sample set of learning objectives is provided to assist districts in the development of their own objectives.…

Analyzes efforts by school districts reorganizing science curricula in Illinois. Describes state goals for Illinois: Knowledge and Vocabulary; Science-Technology-Society; Scientific Enterprise; and Science Process. Discusses how school districts emphasize the 4 state goals for grades 3, 6, 8, and 11. (YP)

Science fairs have the potential to help students develop new ways of solving problems using a scientific approach. This supplemental guide was developed for those teachers involved with science fairs as well as others who work with students in developing a project. Several reasons for holding a science fair are listed, along with some…

Twenty-eight outstanding elementary/middle school teachers of science were selected to participate in an honors program being conducted over a three-year period (1985-87) on the campus of Illinois State University. The project, based on the belief that the teacher is the key to addressing the present crisis in science education, was funded by the…

A survey of Illinois biology teachers (N=156) indicates that textbooks are major factors in determining the teaching of ecology (relevant in teaching science/society issues and for developing environmental literacy). Data on textbooks used, extent of use, instructional methods, ecological concepts taught, environmental problems discussed, and…

The activities presented in this book, designed to help 4th through 8th grade instructors teach about the history of life, help students prepare for a visit to a museum exhibit on life through time. The pre- and post-visit activities as well as the in-museum activities help students prepare for and enjoy their 4.5 billion year trip through time at…

This report synthesizes the findings of the Illinois statewide curriculum census projects of 1977 and 1982. The census was designed to produce normative data relative to offerings and enrollments in Illinois public secondary schools and establish a source of information on secondary school curriculum. Statistical information include: (1)…

Describes a course focusing on applied catalysis for helping students prepare for careers in a chemical or petroleum industry. Provides a course outline and suggested topics for term papers. (YP)

A methodological weakness of recent studies on teacher shortages is the degree to which respondents in these surveys were removed from the school environment, and consequently from science and mathematics teacher hiring. An attempt was made to resolve this problem by assessing Illinois public school principals (grades 6 to 12) on science and…

These materials are for use by elementary and middle school teachers in the state of Illinois. This document contains five modules for teaching water conservation. Topics include: (1) "Life Depends on Water,""What is Water?" and "The Hydrologic Cycle"; (2) "The Treatment of Drinking Water"; (3)…

The birds of Illinois and their particular habitats are explored in this guide which is a part of a series of Nature Discovery publications. The materials are designed to directly supplement the natural science curricula and to complement other subject areas including social studies, language arts, music, and art. The program is formated for…

These materials are for use by elementary and middle school teachers in the state of Illinois. This document contains five modules for teaching land use and solid waste concepts. Topics include: (1) "Earth's Closed System"; (2) "Waste Alert"; (3) "Solid Waste/Litter"; (4) "Hazardous Waste"; and (5)…

This coal education resource kit for grades K-2 was developed by the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). The kit contains activities designed to help students become familiar with the origin of coal and the process involved in its development, become familiar with safety equipment used by coal miners and understand why the…

Difficulties encountered by first-year teachers of science and mathematics; were investigated in this study conducted in May 1981 in Illinois schools as part of a broader study involving teachers in other subject areas as well. A questionnaire was designed and mailed to 138 science and 104 mathematics teachers. Responses were received from 46…

This report focuses on the supply/demand of mathematics/science (M/S) teachers in Illinois, evaluating four major assumptions made about these teachers. Each assumption is identified and examined in terms of whether the Illinois data support/reject the assumption. These assumptions are: (1) Supply of M/S teachers is insufficient to meet demand;…