This qualitative study investigated perceptions of STSE topics manifested by adults visiting four biodiversity exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada. Seven visitors were observed by researchers during their visits and completed post-visit interviews. The theoretical perspective on STSE relationships expounded by Pedretti…

The infamous "Sydney Tar Ponds" are well known as one of the largest toxic waste sites of Canada, due to almost 100 years of steelmaking in Sydney, a once beautiful and peaceful city located on the east side of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. This article begins with a contextual overview of the Tar Ponds issue including a brief…

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…

Surveyed 1,200 Canadian teachers' views about technology in contemporary society. Responses indicated that teachers overwhelmingly describe and critique technology from an artifact perspective, that the majority hold an incomplete view of the nature of technology, and that most feel technology is beyond the control of the individual. (KS)

A 21-item scale combining and modifying an environmental paradigm and a social paradigm was used in 2 surveys. This paper compares attitudinal dimensions resulting from factor analysis. Similarities in terms of relationships between scores on the scale and preferences for energy-related options were also assessed. (Author/CW)

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…

This is the second article of a four part series of a study of Canadian high-school graduates' views on science-technology-society topics. It reports student perceptions of the interaction of science technology and society. Science and technology were viewed as a unified enterprise and their roles were indistinguishable. (ML)

The efforts to enlarge the awareness, scientific knowledge, and political skill of people, to promote pro-environmental attitudes and support, through the development of science/technology/society (STS) courses are described. The STS program found in the secondary schools and colleges of Quebec is described. (KR)

As the fourth in a four-part series on issues related to science-technology-society, this article discusses Canadian high school graduates' viewpoints of the characteristics of scientists. Responses addressed the relationship between scientists and their work, gender distribution of scientists, and perceptions of scientists. (ML)

Presented is a case study of a Science/Technology/Society course. Described are the specific goals and objectives of the course and the design of the study. The results of the study and the validity and transferability of this type of assessment are discussed. (CW)

As the third in a four-part series on issues related to science-technology-society (STS), this article discusses Canadian high school graduates' viewpoints on the characteristics and limitations of scientific knowledge. Responses indicated students harbored diverse and contradictory beliefs about scientific knowledge. (ML)

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 article is the first of a four part series of a study of Canadian high-school graduates' views on science-technology-society (STS) topics. It describes the research scope and methodology and discusses research issues associated with use of the specially constructed survey instrument, Views on Science-Technology-Society (VOSTS). (ML)

The rationale and the methodology used in a study of high school graduates' viewpoints on science-technology-society (STS) topics are reviewed in this paper. The study employed the instrument, Views on Science-Technology-Society (VOSTS), which required students to write an argumentative paragraph responding to one of 46 statements about an STS…