The argument undergirding this essay is that the new environmental movement in the United States is partly a symbolic issue. Some liberal or radical members of key strategic elites who are alienated from the social and political system are drawn to concrete issues which serve as a surrogate for a real criticism of the hegemonic structure. The…

Outlined is the status of science-technology-society (STS) education as an academic field of study in the United States. Its success as an academic field and unresolved questions regarding the future of STS are discussed. (KR)

Suggests the integration of science, technology, and society themes into existing elementary social studies curricula. Surveys works representing the philosophical basis for science, technology, and society. Includes suggestions for use of technology and society themes at each grade level of elementary school. (DK)

This report seeks ways to improve the knowledge, understanding, and information available to the federal government on the long-term nature of the science and technology (S&T) enterprise as it relates to societal goals. The recommendations focus on a few key issues: improving the national capacity to define and revise long-term S&T goals; linking…

Argues that universities are failing to prepare students for responsible citizenship in a world being rapidly changed by biotechnology. Calls for bringing together biology and the social sciences in more core courses. (TW)

Highlights from a conference on technological literacy are presented. The aim of an interdisciplinary community to meet the needs of students and society is presented through quotations from speakers. (MNS)

Discussed is the development of studies based on the ethical and value aspects of the interactions between science, technology, and society. Described are the characteristics of these studies and the proposals funded by the Ethics and Values Studies at the National Science Foundation. (KR)

Technology may be thought of as an extroverted activity involving a search for workable solutions to problems. The output of technology tends to take the form of a tangible product or service. Science, by contrast, is generally introverted, studying problems that are usually generated internally. As technology has become increasingly…

Described are some of the successes of the Green Revolution in third-world nations. Discussed are research priorities; misconceptions; and improvements in management skills, training and education, infrastructure, and international trade. (CW)

The traditional focus of environmental education (EE) in science and technology classes is criticized. EE instruction in the subjects of literature, art, music, home economics, textile design, career guidance, sports, history, political science, social studies, economics, philosophy, and religious instruction is proposed. (CW)

Discusses Jan Amos Comenius' conception of the moral and social relevance of science. Examines his emphasis on the whole and on significant relationships of general education and specialized knowledge, and individual and society. Argues that Comenius' ideas, although utopian, are relevant today. Suggests that education should be directed toward…

Discussed is the linkage between science, technology, and religious ideas. Tillich's continuum of existentialism, philosophy, and theology and his concepts of the multidimensional unity of life have been used to develop a technology and religion course. Included are the core ethic and basic tenets for STS education. (KR)

Presented is a survey of five institutional mechanisms for allowing the lay public to influence environmental risk decisions. Discussed are public hearings, initiatives, public surveys, negotiated rule making, and citizens review panels. Defined is the democratic process criteria for assessing these and other participatory mechanisms. (KR)

Designed to provide a link between academic thought and research and the practice of teaching, this monograph explores the appropriate educational response to technological change. The central argument of this study is that future job opportunities will lie essentially with low tech jobs, i.e., traditional, basic, industrial jobs, rather than the…

Argues that environmental education in this information age requires a shift from a paradigm of "information technology" to a paradigm of "information critique." Provides a perspective on the form of this paradigm shift in the area of professional development. (TW)