Developed as part of a document series in UNESCO's Science and Technology Education program, this volume reviews the major trends and cites the improvements in the natural science and mathematics education in the Soviet Union. Separate units are provided for the discipline areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. These sections…

Presents a rationale for the new Soviet biology curriculum. Explains guidelines for teaching methodology. Describes in some detail the goals and tasks for students in the new Soviet biology curriculum for grades six through eleven. (RKM)

Discusses fundamental improvements with the new Soviet biology curriculum. Concludes that it is essential that the teacher have the correct ideological conviction and professional skills if the new curriculum is to work effectively. (RKM)

Provides a rationale for the Soviet chemistry curriculum and offers guidelines for teaching methodology. Details the goals and tasks for students in the Soviet chemistry curriculum for grades six through eleven. (RKM)

Reviews the recently established curriculum for teaching chemistry in the Soviet Union. Examines guidelines for teaching methodology. Also looks at basic pupil knowledge and skills in several different areas of chemistry. (RKM)

Discusses the rationale for the new Soviet physics curriculum. Explains guidelines for teaching methodology. Details the goals and tasks for students in the Soviet physics curriculum for grades seven through eleven. (RKM)

Developments in the funding and direction of Soviet scientific research in the Brezhnev era (since about 1964) are reviewed, including factors affecting research, accomplishments, and role of the U.S.S.R Academy of Sciences. (SK)

This issue presents a collection of articles which critique the educational reforms in science and mathematics initiated in 1983. The articles devote special attention to physics, biology, mathematics, geography, and the instructional problems Soviet teachers encountered in presenting the new curricula. (JDH)

This report examines the impact of the Soviet Academy of Sciences on the development of technology in the Soviet Union, finding that the future of Soviet technology depends significantly on the Academy and that severe problems stemming from its nature and its relationship with Soviet industry encumber the Academy's ability to serve Soviet…

A National Academy panel evaluates trade-offs between dangers to national security that arise from technology transfers and threats to the openness of scientific communication that are caused by too much secrecy. Major conclusions/suggestions are discussed. A list of acquisitions from the West affecting Soviet military technology is included.…

Presents translations of six Russian language articles which highlight the relationship between Marxist philosophy and contemporary educational practice in the USSR. (JDH)

Examines the gap between American and Soviet science, tracing the gap to overcentralization, an aversion to risk, and emphasis on theory at the expense of application. Indicates that Soviet leaders are aware of some of the problems but that barriers to reform remain strong and prospects for real change are limited. (JN)

Issues discussed with Thomas F. Malone (former Foreign Secretary-National Academy of Sciences) include: scientists role in dealing with such global problems as nuclear war and needs in developing countries; scientific relations with China/Soviet Union; scientific enterprise/human rights; science/technology role in foreign policy; and political…

Defines war as symptom rather than cause. Identifies the root cause of the Middle East crisis as destruction of the regional balance of power through foreign augmentation of Iraqi power. Criticizes the tendency to see world problems as a fight between good and evil. Defines realism as the ability to see political realities as a balance of power.…