Reviews evidence in support of the primacy of the personal relevance orientation in science education. Provides a quick review of four other orientations and their shortcomings for curriculum planning. Orientation reviews focus on: (1) the development of cognitive processes; (2) social adaptation and reconstruction; (3) academic rationalism; and…

Reports on a study, Science for All Americans, by the AAAS. Notes this study is the first of three phases in Project 2061. Recommends science teaching should focus on connections rather than boundaries between traditional academic disciplines and should emphasize ideas and thinking rather than specialized vocabulary and memorized procedures. (MVL)

Discusses the definition of scientific literacy, the curriculum of primary and secondary schools, scientists and teachers, cooperation with industry, and the resources and morale of teachers. (YP)

Discussed is the elementary science teacher curriculum and its role in students' interest in science. Qualifications, teacher attitudes about science, college preparation, hands-on experience, science instruction, science method instruction, and the role of the administrator are described in terms of effective elementary science programs. (KR)

This investigation is designed to help students learn landmarks and possible dangers for settlers who traveled down the Ohio River in 1789. The document describes a simulation in which the students attempt to survive a flatboat trip from Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) to Losantiville (Cincinnati, Ohio). Along the trail are points of historical…

This investigation is designed to help students understand storm surges on Lake Erie. Activity A includes experiments and discussions intended to help students understand what causes storm surges on Lake Erie. Activity B considers how storm surges affect water levels and, in turn, coastal areas. The student booklet contains questions, experiments,…

This elementary school teaching unit was developed as a part of a series of units that deal with Lake Erie. This unit was developed to enable children to: (1) examine a moving fish; (2) conduct experiments with a live fish; (3) understand the swimming habits of fish; (4) learn how fish breathe; (5) recognize different methods of fish protection…

The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for school districts to use in the development of K-12 science curricula. The framework focuses on those ideas, skills, and attitudes that have the greatest educational significance for enabling the achievement of scientific literacy by all students. The scope of the Arizona Science Essential…

As a beginning point for the curriculum revision process of the Dayton Public Schools, the attitudes of teachers and administrators in that particular urban area were assessed. A 17-item instrument was developed for use in the assessment. The instrument was mailed to all Dayton elementary, middle, and high schools. The attitudes held by Dayton…

Each year more lives are lost due to floods than due to the next 18 natural disasters put together. The element of human choice makes the study of floods and droughts an opportunity for decision making experiences for students. This document contains information and activities designed to be used in correlation with a science unit or as a…

This information bulletin examines research and practice issues considered critical in resolving the crisis in science education. Analyses are presented of (1) the current reform movement in science education, (2) the changing culture of science, (3) science education research, (4) the rise of the cognitive sciences, (5) science teachers and…

This document contains 59 papers presented at a recent national conference dealing with the relationships among science, technology, and society (STS), with a particular emphasis on technological literacy. The papers deal with such topics as: (1) the concepts and frameworks of technological literacy; (2) STS and technological literacy at the…

This annotated list of educational materials on environmental issues includes a wide range from workbooks and lesson plans to newsletters, films and software intended for young people. Educational materials are listed alphabetically following the name of the sponsoring agency or group. A separate list includes materials available from the U.S.…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term, multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Orienting…

The aim of the research program of the research center for environmental and health education is to promote an awareness of the interrelationship between society and its environment. This volume contains four papers which were given at various international meetings in 1988. Reported are: (1) Danish environmental education and school initiatives…