This column presents ideas and techniques to enhance science teaching. This month's issue describes preservice elementary teachers learning engineering principles from engineers. Few elementary teachers have experience with implementing engineering into the classroom. While engineering professional development opportunities for inservice teachers…

This article describes how the Science Department at Shoeburyness High School in Essex introduced a space-themed year 8 (ages 12-13) science course to increase student engagement and motivation. As well as discussing the rationale for such curriculum change, it describes the processes of planning and resourcing the course, and the barriers that…

"Gender Differences at Critical Transitions in the Careers of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Faculty" presents new and surprising findings about career differences between female and male full-time, tenure-track, and tenured faculty in science, engineering, and mathematics at the nation's top research universities. Much of this…

Discusses how teachers put together a science department portfolio of student work representing National Curriculum levels. (MKR)

A division of chemical education has been created within the chemistry department at Purdue University. The nature of chemical education, impediments to research and development in chemical education, and future directions of the division are discussed. (JN)

Suggests that academic departments reshape the intellectual climate for chemistry education as one way to ensure the future of chemistry. Current practices in chemistry and possible benefits which may result if the system is modified are examined. These benefits include better public support and understanding of chemistry. (JN)

Highlights an American Chemical Society (ACS) survey of 103 chemistry departments on their instrumentation needs. The 2-year study affirms that instruments used for chemical research and education are becoming outdated because of their age and changes in technology. The survey also reveals how departments plan to use newly acquired instruments.…

Questionnaire responses from 193 high schools indicate that very few science teachers use microcomputers regularly in classrooms. Descriptions of schools/science departments, background information on faculty using microcomputers, and nature/extent of utilization are discussed along with possible causes of limited use and recommendations for…

This publication was written for use by the Department of Defense Dependent Schools Pacific Region science coordinators, school principals, science department chairs and teachers as they worked to identify strengths and weaknesses of science programs in middle and high schools. It can also be used by science coordinators, during school visits.…

Examines programmatic effects of undergraduate chemistry research programs, focusing on internal research funding at Pomona College. The two-phase funding plan is described, accompanied by commentary on the reasoning and philosophy which lie behind these procedures. (JN)

Presents the five goals and supporting outcomes that represent students' knowledge and habits of mind resulting from participation in a pre-K through grade-13 science education programs in Ohio. The five goals are in the following areas: (1) the nature of science, (2) the physical setting, (3) the living environment, (4) societal perspectives, and…

This publication is one in a series of 12 giving the recommendations that were made for a broad and balanced education program in science for young people. Section one of this guide deals with the factors that were the reason for the implementation of a review process, a listing of financial sponsors and other "in kind" help from…

This publication is one in a series of 12 giving the recommendations that were made for a broad and balanced education program in science for young people. Section one of this guide discusses consulting and negotiating both with colleagues and others. Sections two and three address the timetabling issue. Section four explains a strategy that a…

Compares eight states on their inservice teacher training programs, changes in the science curricula (including instruction requirements, skill lists, and/or syllabi development), curriculum evaluation, budget-program/personnel commitments, and resources for assistance. These states include Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Oregon,…

This is the third in a series of 12 curriculum guides. These publications are recommendations which the committee made for a broad and balanced education program in science for young people. The main theme of this guide is that science education which young people experience during their period of compulsory schooling needs to be characterized by…