Based on the proceedings of a workshop prompted by a study of science education in Canada conducted by the Science Council of Canada, this document examines the relationship between girls and science education. The workshop addressed three major questions: (1) To what extent are girls in Canadian schools avoiding the study of science? (2) What…

Written as part of a series for the Science Council of Canada, this publication focuses on elementary and secondary school science education as it effects students in general and those pursuing engineering and technical careers in particular. Section one examines post-Sputnik science education and claims that an overly narrow emphasis on pure…

Identifies and discusses the epistemological roots of various terms that have been used to describe student conceptions in the literature with a view to suggest which term science eductors should adopt. Argues that "alternative conceptions" is preferable to "alternative frameworks" for use in describing student conceptions in…

Examines ways in which description and explanation are used in science teaching, including word usage and the role of activities. Considers the desirable characteristics of explanation for teaching purposes. Raises major questions about explanation in science education. Shows the need to make a clear distinction between description and…

Calls for differentiating between three kinds of studies of students' conceptions in science, namely descriptive studies, explanatory studies, and studies attempting to foster conceptual change. Cites the literature about student perceptions and science instruction. (TW)

Discusses various issues in science curriculum/instruction and proposes that the National Science Teachers Association assume the responsibility for establishing quality science instruction. Topics/Issues include, among others, competencies science teachers will need in the future, computer oriented programs, and interdisciplinary science…

Summarizes the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU's) contention that Arkansas Act 590 (equal time to teaching creationism) is unconstitutional and highlights comments of various witnesses testifying during the trial. (SK)

Describes an indoor-outdoor curriculum entitled Interdisciplinary Environmental Education Minicourses (IEEM). The program exposes junior high students to environmental issues through inquiry, field studies, guest speakers and debates. (Author/SA)

Explains a technocratic ideology--providing the future leaders of society--as main theme of school science reform. Describes the historical frameworks of interpretation. Discusses the growth and failure of the reform. (YP)

Presented is a review of environmental ethics since the Belgrade Charter of 1976. Outlines seven ethical positions to be considered. Discusses ethics in environmental education practice. Focuses on four ways to lessen the dilemma of the presentation of values in environmental education. (CW)

The conventional wisdom on how tomorrow's scientists are identified and trained in elementary and secondary schools is being questioned. The importance and reasons behind encouraging students to stay in science and mathematics are emphasized. (KR)

Examines changes in elementary science teachers' education, noting the fragmented status of school science. Few elementary teachers have strong academic backgrounds in science or fundamental knowledge of elementary science program content. Understanding preservice teachers' alternative conceptions and misconceptions about the nature of science is…

The idea of assessment driving the curriculum and the importance of assessing students constantly instead of using only standardized tests are discussed. Informal observations used by teachers as a way of assessing student progress is emphasized. The United Kingdom's National Curriculum assessment program are described. (KR)

Suggests ways in which a teacher or visitor can tell whether children are gaining from their science activities: classroom presence of real things to learn from, children working with these materials, and more talking by students than by the teacher. Lists observational questions about student work, behavior, and communication that can be used to…

The education pipeline in the United States from prekindergarten through the Ph.D. is failing to produce the workers needed to meet future demand. In the year 2000, 85 percent of new entrants to the workforce will be members of minority groups and women. The number of capable persons with disabilities will also rise. These three groups have…