Science, Technology, Society and Environment (STSE) education has received attention in educational research, policy, and science curricula development, yet less advancement has been made in moving theory into practice. There are many examples of STSE-based teaching in science at the elementary and secondary levels, yet little has focused…

In this technologically expanding world it is important for teachers and other educators to be aware of students' existing conceptions of technology and to provide appropriate avenues for change. This study interviewed high school students (n=26) in Newfoundland, Canada, about their beliefs of science and technology. Questions were asked regarding…

This document presents the development of an instrument designed to assess student attitudes toward science and technology, and their understanding of certain social issues surrounding science and technology. The document contains two parts. Part 1, the Description of the Project, includes the following sections: (1) "The Project in…

Speculates on factors that may influence the lack of status of a "Science and Technology" course for grade 11 in British Columbia. Suggests that Aristotelian conceptions of the superiority of pure science over practical knowledge affect the status of school subjects. Questions the course's portrayal of the nature of technology and…

This document contains the instrument used, results gathered, and discussions of the instrument used to measure students' (grades 10 and 12) understanding of science in its technological and social context. The following sections are included: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "A Comparison of Grade 10 and 12"; (3) "The Grade 10…

Discusses research on the effects of having high school students (n=91) read four popular media reports of science. Finds a lack of systemic relationship between students' degree of certainty in their beliefs and the support that the reports offer for those beliefs due to the fact that students seemed unable to fully integrate their background…

Identifies four views of the nature of the science/technology relationship: Idealist, Demarcationist, Materialist, and Interactionist. Analyzes high school physics textbooks in light of these relationship types and finds that the texts are dominated by an idealist storyline that presents a limited view of the history and philosophy of…

Presented in both English and French, Science 10 is an integrated academic course that helps students in Alberta, Canada better understand and apply fundamental concepts and skills common to biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth sciences. The major goals of the program are: (1) to develop in students an understanding of the interconnecting…

Presented in English and French, Chemistry 20-30 is an academic program that helps students in Alberta, Canada, better understand and apply fundamental concepts and skills. The major goals of the program are: (1) to develop in students an understanding of the interconnecting ideas and principles that transcend and unify the natural science…

Presented in both English and French, Science 20-30 is an integrated academic program in Alberta, Canada that helps students better understand and apply fundamental concepts and skills common to biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth sciences. The major goals of the program are: (1) to develop in students an understanding of the…

Presented in English and French, Biology 20-30 is an academic program that helps students in Alberta, Canada, better understand and apply fundamental concepts and skills. The major goals of the program are: (1) to develop in students an understanding of the interconnecting ideas and principles that transcend and unify the natural science…

Presented in English and French, Physics 20-30 is an academic program that helps students better understand and apply fundamental concepts and skills. The major goals of the program are: (1) to develop in students an understanding of the interconnecting ideas and principles that transcend and unify the natural science disciplines; (2) to provide…

Based on the belief that students should have a better understanding of technology and science and their interaction with society, the course Science and Technology 11 (ST 11), was proposed in 1984 for students in grade 11 in British Columbia (Canada) who did not elect one of the existing science courses. In September 1986, this new STS course was…

This resource material is intended to assist teachers in translating the intentions of the Science 14/24 program into classroom practice. The Science 14/24 program was designed to develop scientific literacy and stress interactions among science, technology, and society. The program was designed for students enrolled in the General High School…

A sample of grade 11 and 12 Canadian students (n>2000) responded to a national survey concerning the epistemology of science. Results revealed preconceptions held by students involving the nature of science, scientific assumptions, values in science, conceptual inventions, the scientific method, consensus making in science, and characteristics…