Argues that most gender-related educational reforms will not foster the social and scientific transformations envisioned by feminist science scholars. Calls for a reconceptualization of science education that includes knowledge of the physical world along with an understanding of the biases and cultural, social, and political contexts of Western…

Reports on the Iowa Project, a broad effort in 20 school districts where a Science-Technology-Society (STS) approach was emphasized through a constructivist philosophy of teaching and learning. Results indicate the project's success in four areas: strengthening teacher confidence and knowledge base, encouraging teachers' use of innovative…

Discusses the history of women in science, the contemporary status of women in the field, and the implications of an increasing number of women becoming scientists at a time when the field is being closely scrutinized. Suggests that a global feminism is necessary if a science for humanity is to be developed. (KO)

An investigation in which science/technology/society (STS) strategies were utilized for one class and traditional concept-organized strategies were utilized in another is described. Results are contrasted for students enrolled in an STS section and others in a non-STS section. Advantages of the STS program include improving process skills,…

Sharply rising enrollments in undergraduate biology, spurred by the growing importance of the life sciences in society, have led university faculty members across the country to experiment with new ways of teaching students. This report documents change in the nation's classrooms; specifically, it focuses on a sample of institutions that are…

The purpose of this paper is to argue that, given the role science and technology play in economic and social development in today's world, scientific and technological literacy must be given priority as an essential component of basic education. This paper begins by presenting some of the dilemmas posed by the role science technology plays in our…

This report is one of a series produced by the National Center for Improving Science Education. The Center synthesizes and translates the findings, recommendations, and perspectives embodied in recent and forthcoming studies and reports in order to develop practical resources for policymakers and practitioners. Toward achieving the High School…