Provides rationale for interdisciplinary science curricula which emphasize decision-making skills. Includes examples of interdisciplinary curricula using an issue-centered approach: Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary School (USMES), Health Activities Program (HAP), Human Sciences Program (HSP), Individualized Science Instructional…

Analysis of an open-ended survey of 144 university and school science educators resulted in identification of six major problem areas: conceptual, organizational, teacher-related, student-related, university-centered, and societal. (Author)

A model for a two-week summer science teaching workshop is presented. Included are the goals and objectives of the science/technology/society course, the history of the program, and some results for students using these methods. (CW)

This final report includes information concerning the Iowa-UPSTEP Program, a preservice teacher education project first funded in 1970. Contents of this report include a discussion of the initial program outline; descriptions of general education and science program requirements that arose out of the Program; a history of the major phases of the…

Briefly discusses five fundamental goals for science education. Goals focus on developing scientific and technological process and inquiry skills; teaching to provide scientific/technological knowledge; student demonstration of knowledge; student use of knowledge for personal/social decisions; and student examination of science/society/technology…

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…

Reports on a study into the relative importance of the four goal clusters of Project Synthesis as perceived by members of service clubs and community groups. Results indicate that although the importance of science for further studying of science remained constant from 1976-1986, significant increases occurred in the importance of science in…

Discusses the postcard survey by "Science and Children" that attempts to identify elementary, middle, and junior high schools that have successful, sustained science programs and another similar search for exemplary programs conducted by the National Science Teachers Association and the Council of State Science Supervisors. (DC)

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…

Reviews biology education from 1950 to the present and highlights major assessments of past efforts and current needs (emphasizing "critical elements" in biology curriculum/instruction noted in "Project Synthesis"). The historical perspective and data provided by the assessments are used to seek solutions for the remaining…

This report focuses on the proposals, materials, programs produced, and the results that occur when new teachers and their students become involved with exemplary science materials and with teachers judged to be exemplary. This project enrolled exceptional teachers who could work together in class groups with some common purpose as to science…

Initial textbook investigations indicate that more new words/phrases are introduced than in a similar time frame in which foreign languages are studied. Reviews these initial studies, studies of vocabulary mastery in foreign languages, and general research concerning vocabulary development. Reports on occurrence of technical/special words in 25…

This document presents recommendations and generalizations from Project Synthesis, Educating Americans for the 21st Century, National Science Teacher Association Excellence Programs, and the Iowa Honors Workshop concerning the 861 teachers who were part of exemplary programs. Specific teaching strategies are listed that are associated with…

Science educators (N=28) were asked to indicate whether 23 policy statements and 24 corresponding statements of needed research (appearing in "Crisis in Science Education") represented a critical need, a definite need or a low priority need. Statements seen as critically important by one-half or more respondents are listed and discussed.…