Reports results from a close study of five classes that are learning National Curriculum science with the help of special materials. Contains excerpts from interviews and test scores that illustrate some of the problems students have in understanding the nature of experiment and theory. (DDR)

Explores whether it is easier to achieve a higher level in the KS2 Student Assessment Tasks than in those for KS3. Results of a study in which samples of both were given to two groups of pupils indicates that most obtained the same level in both or one level higher in the KS3. (DDR)

Summarizes the principal arguments and recommendations in the report "Beyond 2000: Science Education for the Future," funded by the Nuffield Foundation. Presents a new vision of science education and offers 10 recommendations for change. (DDR)

Offers advice on planning geology field trips as well as related sources of information. Focuses on a visit to study geological features in the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire coast. (DDR)

Argues that science teachers need to have training in and input into citizenship teaching to ensure that controversial issues in science are handled accurately and appropriately. Makes the case that such input should be of mutual benefit to science and citizenship teaching. (Author/MM)

Discusses circuits for three-bit and four-bit analogue digital converters and digital analogue converters. These circuits feature slow operating speeds that enable the circuitry to be used to demonstrate the mode of operation using oscilloscopes and signal generators. (DDR)

Reports on a revision to the National Curriculum for Science in Great Britain that carries the danger of reverting to more prescriptive work with less emphasis on whole investigations. Uses a comparison between two exercises. (DDR)

Suggests that dissatisfaction with the chemistry curriculum is not a new phenomenon and that there appears to be a 30-year cycle of change. Recommends the use of a clear set of goals that would provide more exciting and relevant chemistry for all. (DDR)

Describes a survey of the views of students, teachers, advisers, and inspectors on school science at key stages 3 and 4 (11-16 year-olds) in the United Kingdom. Finds a mismatch between the intended purposes of the Science National Curriculum and supporting documentation, and its translation into classroom practice. (Author/WRM)

Briefly reviews some of the main features of the research evidence and the latest data on student attitudes toward science. Argues that the recent introduction of an extension of compulsory science education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has not succeeded in changing the level of interest in science. (DDR)

Examines the future of biology education in Great Britain and concludes that its aims and focus will need to continue to develop. Makes recommendations for teacher and student control of the curriculum, environmental education, and bioethics. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Argues that physics should be made more attractive to young people by linking the teaching of it to the real world and human culture. Focuses on the results of an initiative to reform physics education. (DDR)

Recommends beginning certain chemistry courses with revision and consolidation of mole calculations. Argues that by choosing examples related to health and safety, mole calculations can be made less academic while raising student awareness of important issues. (DDR)

Recommends the use of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) project which gives thinking skills lessons to students ages 11-13 to increase their general thinking ability. (DDR)

Describes an attempt to introduce differentiation by task in an inner city secondary school. Concludes that differentiated work cards lead to no significant improvement in the achievement of lower ability students. High and medium ability students improved their performance as a result of using the work cards. (DDR)