Teachers are being asked to provide students with activities that are relevant, interrelated, and challenging. This article describes an activity, Zoo Investigation Cards, that place students in an investigative problem-solving situation and allows them to observe living organisms in the complex system of their natural habitat. (ZWH)

This paper uses the topic of rain forests to demonstrate how a meaningful and relevant Science, Technology, and Society program can be designed for intermediate-level students. Students create and immerse themselves in a tropical rain forest, explore the forest ecosystem and peoples, and consider solutions to the problem of deforestation. (JDD)

As the nation's schools respond to calls for improved science education, educators are faced with the challenge of making what is learned in the classroom applicable to what is happening in society. This newsletter article discusses constructive and erroneous definitions of science, identifies several national reform efforts in the area of science…

Explains the purposes and process of compiling a compendium of descriptive case studies of university environmental studies programs in operation in North America today. Compares this collection with other sets of case studies. Contrasts some of the changes from a similar study done a decade ago. (TW)

The Individualized Eclectic Examination is described. The format, design, and philosophy of the examination that emphasizes problem solving are discussed. Sample questions, student projects, and an illustration of the implementation of the exam are included. (CW)

Describes a module in which students seek to gain an understanding of factors that interact in the ecological system of their school. Presents sample questions for use in reinforcing concepts and evaluating student learning, directions for four task activities, and topics for some of the remaining task activities. (RT)

Presents the idea that, to improve secondary science, school science teaching students must be taught to use the activities of science: questioning, information gathering, hypothesizing, testing and conveying, and confronting current issues and problems in science. Activities and ideas that can be used to help students understand and use the…

Reports on the status of environmental studies programs, as determined at a workshop held in conjunction with the 1986 annual conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education. Focuses on environmental studies program development since 1976. (TW)

This study reports the preferences students expressed in regard to problem-solving modes for resolving environmental problems. There were many differences between students at different grades and between girls and boys. Implications for teaching are suggested. (YP)

Based on the premise that exposure to science and technology is important in early childhood curricula, this guide was developed to help teachers incorporate mathematics, sciences, and technology-related activities into existing programs. Activities contained in this guide focus on concepts in the physical sciences and in the development of…

Discusses the development of new computer systems that will overcome the "slowness" of modern computers. Describes ways to increase the speed of single processors by keeping more of a processor's components active. Outlines the theory behind the linking together of many processors to form a parallel computer. (TW)

Examines the rise of the general science course and its implications for the reform of secondary science education. Concludes that while recent reforms emphasize the personal and social character of science and the use of the scientific method, they will not necessarily make students more scientifically literate or train them to think about…

The relationship between computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical control (CNC) computer applications is described. Tips for helping educate the CAM buyer on what to look for and what to avoid when searching for the most appropriate instructional CAM package are provided. (KR)

The use of science fiction can be a valuable tool for constructing a highly mental schema in a learner on which to build new learning, to stimulate creative problem solving, and to generate the flexibility needed for adjusting to a rapidly changing, progressively technological society. By using science fiction in a science class, a science teacher…

Reexamines the environmental problem-solving focus of environmental education. Critiques the view of environment and the concept of environmental problems. Provides a feminist perspective on analyzing environmental issues. Argues that this approach develops a better understanding of the problems and their potential solutions. (TW)