Offers a brief introduction and resource list on teaching about science-related social issues. Provides three complete lesson plans for elementary, middle school, and high school use. The topics covered in the lessons are energy production and consumption in the United States; nuclear power concepts, issues, and controversies; and the arms race.…

Discusses science and social studies integration to achieve technological literacy. Outlines elements that contribute to a successfully integrated social studies curriculum and its accompanying instruction. Four elements are presented: (1) clearly stated outcomes, (2) organizational strategy, (3) support systems, and (4) instructional strategies.…

Highlights some current resources for teaching science-related social issues in elementary and secondary classrooms from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Issues covered are varied and include population growth, environmental concerns, bioethical questions, hunger and food resources, water resources, nuclear energy, and…

Explores reasons for paying attention to content about science/technology/society (STS) in the social studies curriculum. Examines strategies for incorporating STS in the social studies. Expresses some cautions about interdisciplinary approaches to teaching STS. (DB)

Praises recent efforts to integrate study of science and technology with the broader society, including the science/technology/society movement and Project 2061. Warns of the dangers of splitting the social sciences and natural sciences, and of the limitations represented by the recent focus on "cultural literacy." Advocates the…

Presents guidelines from the National Council for the Social Studies' Science and Society Committee, focusing on topics with interrelationships among science, technology, and the social context in which they occur. Covers eight areas: (1) choosing topics; (2) content knowledge; (3) values; (4) thinking processes; (5) civic action; (6)…

Maintains that the science/technology/society movement (STS) is a megatrend in science education. Explains that STS takes a holistic, problem-solving approach toward teaching science, one that is student oriented and much more accessible than traditional approaches. Lists tables that contrast STS and traditional classes. (DB)

Discusses studies done on science/technology/society (STS) education and lessons that may be drawn for teachers. Maintains that issue investigation and action-based units focusing on locally relevant and student-relevant issues are clearly supported and encouraged by STS research. (DB)

Presents excerpts from "Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies." Defines and explains 10 thematic strands that form the basis for the standards. Includes integrated content from history, geography, other social sciences, and the humanities. (CFR)