The Iowa Chautauqua Program was developed in 1983 with support from National Science Foundation (NSF) which awarded the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) a major grant to study an inexpensive in-service model for stimulating reform in K-12 science classrooms. Iowa was one of the six Chautauqua sites which were modeled after a program…

Visits to six school districts which were identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence program were made during 1983 by teams of 17 researchers. Their reports were analyzed in search for common characteristics that can explain the requirements necessary for excellent science programs. These characteristics are…

Results from a 1982 follow-up study of student perceptions of science instruction are presented and compared with data from the 1977 national assessment. Data were obtained from 700 students in Iowa aged 9, 13, 17, and young adult. (MNS)

National Science Foundation reports provided criteria for identifying 54 exemplary science programs in the United States. Questionnaires and school visits showed programs characterized by locally developed curricula, less emphasis on textbooks, and outstanding teachers (average age: 51 years; degree: M.A. 30). (PB)

A group of outstanding science teachers agreed that student motivation and interest soar when real-life issues are used as themes for study. Illustrates how the interdisciplinary approach works with the issue of smoking. (MLF)

Results from studies dealing with students' views toward science teachers/classes, usefulness of science study, and what it is like to be a scientist are reviewed and analyzed. Studies include National Assessment of Educational Progress data and data from an Iowa follow-up study and a study of a large school district. (JN)

Results of six original studies are extracted for comparison in three ways. These are summaries of: (1) reported problems of various groups of science educators; (2) solutions proposed by these same groups to the problems facing science education; and (3) recommendations for future directions. A synthesis of the recommendations focuses on four…

This collection of 16 essays is ideal for staff development providers (university faculty, district supervisors, lead teachers, and principals) as well as preservice science methods instructors. Each essay describes a specific program designed to train current or future teachers to carry out the constructivist, inquiry-based approach of the…

Reports the results of the Chautauqua Program, an effort involving 224 life science teachers grades 4 through 12 in Iowa schools, that sought to introduce Science/Technology/Society strategies to new teachers, help them develop materials, and assist in structuring an assessment program that could provide evidence that reform has occurred. (ZWH)

The reform of elementary and secondary school science education in the United States has received renewed attention with the publication of several science reform documents and the 1989 Education Summit sponsored by the nation's governors and President Bush. This digest reviews documents which focus on the reform of science education and projects…

Reports on a study in which 61 science supervisors were asked to identify their most effective and least effective teachers. Differences were found regarding gender, quantity of National Science Foundation workshop experiences, and certain elected in-service experiences. (TW)

There is little doubt that the findings of research in science education can be depressing at times. The literature is replete with reports and research findings which highlight problems and shortcomings associated with the teaching and learning of science. In order to provide a refreshing alternative to the majority of research reports which…

Points out that discrepancies exist in secondary and college level teachers' perceptions of what is essential for student success in college science. Stresses that more research is needed and offers participation in the National Science Teachers Association "Every Teacher A Researcher" program as one means of addressing the concern.…

Presents information on the perceptions of students (from third, seventh, and eleventh grade) and young adults concerning science classes, their science teachers, and the value of science content. Includes data from the Third Assessment of Science (1977), National Science Supervisors Association Study (1982), and National Science Teacher…

Affective item findings from two national assessments (N=2500 for 1977 assessment; N=2000 for 1983 assessment) are reported and compared. Areas examined include attitudes toward teaching procedures, action of science teachers, current science teacher, and science class. Lists of characteristics of exemplary programs and behaviors of exemplary…