Recently, the nature of science has enjoyed renewed attention in science education circles as a primary component of scientific literacy. This paper describes an investigation meant to assess the influence of a person's understanding of the nature of science on his or her decision-making regarding science- and technology-based issues, and to…

Discusses the lasting effects of the Science-Technology-Society movement. Cites the recommendations from Project 2061 as for learning goals, and suggests some changes for teaching arrangements. (YP)

Describes the nature of technology. Summarizes the claims of the anti-technologists, such as Marcuse and Ellul, and the moderate pro-technologists, such as Ferkiss, Mesthene, Brooks and Bowers, National Academy of Engineering, Norman, and Weizenbaum. Provides 79 references. (YP)

The world is in the middle of a major paradigm shift, as the paradigm of dominion over nature is coming to an end with the acceptance of the arts and other subjectively oriented technologies as useful in our effort to live in the universe. Little by little, awareness of this fundamental change in world view is emerging. The importance of art in…

The purpose of this study was to examine Edward Lorenz's psychological processes and other environmental aspects in the discovery of chaos at that time. The general concept of chaos is discussed based on relations with previous scientific theories such as Newtonian physics and quantum mechanics. The constraints of discovery in terms of available…

This study examined the influence of a 1-week intensive inservice workshop on the teacher's recognition of contemporary goals of science education and for developing science-technology-society (S-T-S) instructional themes. The inservice participants consisted of a group of 13 experienced teachers from rural school districts whose instructional…

In response to fears that current institutions and laws may not adapt to rapid technological change with the necessary alacrity, a justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales presents and briefly discusses ten information commandmants, summarized as follows: (1) contemporary technological developments endanger human rights and civil liberties…

This paper considers the sources and education of an adequate supply of technicians to ensure New Zealand's technological future. It deals with such questions as the source of technicians, and what their learning experiences and outcomes should be. Included in the paper are specific sections dealing with: (1) "Authority for Advanced…

Presents the text of a 1984 speech made before the Eighth General Assembly of the Standing Conference of Rectors, Presidents, and Vice-Chancellors of European Universities. The address covered the interplay of science, philosophy, politics, and the evolution of the university from an authoritarian to a democratic institution. (JDH)

Claims that what is needed is not simply powerful and elegant technology but appropriate technology. Discusses the impact of tacit knowledge and scientism. Recommends the propagation and implementation of the ideal of an organic society, and the return to the ideal of liberal and moral education. (YP)

Examines problems that arise when society comes to rely on the technology of its time and provides support for this contention through data about unintended effects of polychlorinated biphenyl. Argues that reliance on technology results in a loss of previously accumulated knowledge, and the general public becomes convinced it can have anything…

This essay suggests that a profound philosophical misunderstanding exists concerning western science and its application to education and specifically to teaching. Based on the analysis of Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the paper suggests that western identifying principles have taken on the role of "games" where deep introspection is…

This report of the first session of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-First Century describes its agenda of the working methods, the approach, the scope of its work, and the main lines of inquiry to be followed. The initial debate revealed a central theme to be sustained throughout the work of the Commission: the role of…

Two classroom case studies are used to investigate common concerns about the use and value of Science-Technology-Society (STS) themes as curriculum organizers. The author discusses the fear that a focus on STS may de-emphasize science concept learning in the overall curriculum, and suggests that this may be appropriate at the middle school level.…

This paper outlines a three semester hour undergraduate, core course in Scientific Inquiry that increases student knowledge and advances student skills in understanding science as knowledge, process, and human enterprise. This course was developed as a bridge between science and the humanities and a bridge for entry-level students in the…