Instructional materials are a key means to achieving the goals of science education--an enterprise that yields unique and worthwhile benefits to individuals and society. As states and districts move forward with adoption and implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) or work on improving their instruction to align with "A…

In response to the need to develop leaders to guide the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the Carnegie Corporation of New York provided funding to WestEd to develop a framework that defines the leadership knowledge and actions needed to effectively implement the NGSS. The development of the framework entailed…

Despite the expressed need for high-quality science education, very little research has been conducted on what middle school science learning opportunities look like in practice. This study was conducted in support of "Strengthening Science Education in California", a research, policy, and communications initiative. Partners in this…

To assist school districts in selecting science instructional materials, the California State Department of Education has developed detailed descriptions of state-adopted elementary programs and texts. This guide includes an annotated index of all adopted materials and separate descriptions for each program or series. The index contains a listing…

Outlines content and use of slide audiotape pre-lab lectures at California State College (Stanislaus). Includes advantages of using the materials and data, indicating their success as teaching aids. (Author/SK)

Provides hints for teaching a unit on fossils, with special emphasis on the use of field trips. Suggests several points for a successful field experience and describes how the author used local fossil sites to involve students in field trips. (MA)

Designed to sensitize primary grade students to the responsibilities of protecting wild animals, this teaching unit contains a variety of interdisciplinary worksheets and activities. Although focusing on wild animals indigenous to San Mateo County (California), materials are easily adaptable for use in other areas. Examples of activities are…

This field guide gives pictures and descriptions of plants that can be found along the San Francisco Bayshore, especially along the Hayward shoreline. The plants are divided into three categories, those of the mud-flat zone, the drier zone, and the levee zone. Eighteen plants are represented in all. The guide is designed to be used alone, with an…

THIS BOOK FURNISHES CURRENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM IMPROVEMENT STUDY (SCIS) OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY. IT IS PRIMARILY DIRECTED AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS, BUT IT WOULD BE PERTINENT TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN NEW TRENDS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INSTRUCTION. THE ACCOUNT…

A PROCEDURE WAS DEVELOPED WHEREBY EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS COULD PREPARE THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR MEDIA IN WHICH VARIOUS SEQUENCES OF INSTRUCTION WOULD BE PROGRAMED AND DEVELOPED. PROCEDURES WERE DEVELOPED AND TRIED FOR A SET OF BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL CURRICULUM IN SCIENCE INSTRUCTION. IT WAS POSSIBLE TO ILLUSTRATE AND IMPLEMENT…

Policymakers and analysts have a legitimate and intense interest in how state and federal policies can enhance the technical core of schooling and its impact on students. This study investigated: (1) how school districts and schools implemented the California mathematics and science curriculum frameworks; (2) the extent to which programs were…

A case study is presented of the use of educational multimedia. In the spring of 1992, a high school student produced an interactive multimedia project for the California State History Fair. This project, which dealt with Columbus, was developed on the Macintosh platform. Other software and hardware used are described. The artist (developer) began…

The use of educational technology to improve student-teacher interaction is discussed. One such program in California is described. The growth of this teaching concept is noted. (CW)

Interdisciplinary by nature, environmental education is appropriate in any subject area and many educators often integrate environmental concepts into their lesson plans. This compendium of 109 collections of curriculum materials has been developed to assist educators in their selection of materials focusing on water resources. Curricula cover…

This document augments and extends the 1978 "Science Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten and Grades One Through Twelve." It is designed to be used with the Framework in: (1) developing articulated kindergarten through twelfth grade science programs based on information in the Framework; (2) stimulating science teaching…