Examines the extent to which scientific research in the former Soviet Union was endogenous and the degree to which it was integrated into the scientific world system during the 1970s and 1980s. Autarchy, self-reliance, and distinctiveness in scientific traditions are discussed; the center-periphery concept is examined; and results of a survey of…

The questions of how science should be taught and why science education is failing are addressed in this article. The science/technology/society (STS) perspective and the importance of students becoming scientifically literate are emphasized. The essential elements of a high quality science curriculum are listed. (KR)

Discusses the historical development and present status of a current educational trend in science education, Science-Technology-Society (STS). Presents the origins of the trend, a comparison of STS science classes to traditional classes, and general results of studies contrasting STS with traditional teaching. (35 references) (MDH)

Traces the history of legal rulings leading up to the Edwards vs. Aguillard decision by the Supreme Court that it is unconstitutional to mandate "balanced treatment" and "equal time" for teaching creationism along with evolution in school science classes. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

Describes the contributions of women who have served as role models in the fields of ecology and conservation. Women discussed include Ellen Richards, Maria Merian, Jane Colden, Mary Chase, Emma Braun, Ann Morgan, Rachel Carson, Eugenie Clark, Sylvia Earle, Wangari Maathai, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, and Ruth Patrick. Contains 26 references.…

Quantitative and qualitative studies of public understanding of science conducted in many countries provide important insights into the extent to which lay citizens understand important scientific concepts, and the ways in which they seek and use scientific knowledge. Identifies some dimensions of "citizen science" and examines their implications…

Two different concepts of STS--the emerging academic discipline of Science and Technology Studies and the social movement Science, Technology and Society--are explored through analysis of two textbooks from non-English-speaking countries. Each textbook represents one of the two STS concepts. Discussion of text organization is augmented by complete…

Describes the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) pedagogy in an undergraduate classroom. Briefly describes PBL philosophy and protocols, and gives guidance in choosing and integrating a PBL problem into the curriculum. Contains 13 references. (WRM)

When the Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law that required public schools to give "equal time" to "creation science," an apparent contradiction was created because groups that traditionally supported the defense of civil liberties in general and freedom of expression in particular seemed to support a position designed to…

Reviews major science news stories of 1988 as reported in the pages of Science News. Covers the areas of anthropology, astronomy, behavior, biology, biomedicine, chemistry, earth sciences, environment, food science, mathematics and computers, paleobiology, physics, science and society, space sciences, and technology. (YP)

Examines how centrality in world science is affected by performance and reputation. This study uses surveys of academic researchers and literature in engineering to ascertain the surging Japanese and the relatively declining American research performance. Findings show that reputation outweighs performance as the United States continues to…

Addresses the identity politics of modern communication and information technologies. These technologies embody social relations of domination and dependence, especially in their construction of specific forms of human subjectivity. The political implications of these construction systems are explored. Six recommendations for political work in…

Discusses the 1985 Soviet national computer literacy campaign, its structure and assumptions, and computer hardware and software developed to support it. Compares Soviet and U.S. views about roles of computers in education and educational reform and the ways to promote computer use. Contains 50 references in English and descriptions of 4 Soviet…

Reports on a study of the knowledge of and values toward the natural environment of 70 primary-level teachers; 33 school administrators; 65 parents, and 135 third graders in Russia. Finds little ecological education at home. Concludes that developing attitudes of respect and protection for the environment must be the responsibility of the school.…

Discusses how the changing status of South Korea in the world economy has affected the movement of Korean human resources in science and technology. Examines trends in overseas study by Korean graduate students, the migration of highly educated personnel, and the recent repatriation of Korean scientists and engineers. (SV)