A Teacher Education Program in Curriculum Studies, introduced recently in teacher education institutions in Israel, is described. The reasons for the program, including findings of a survey of curriculum studies in Israeli schools of education are given. A preliminary report on teacher reactions to the program is presented. (Author/MT)

In 1978, more than 100 science educators from Israel and approximately 50 leading science educators and researchers representing 13 countries convened at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot (23-28 July) and The Hebrew University, Jerusalem (30 July-2 August) to discuss problems and issues of curriculum development and curriculum…

Although curriculum development ideas suggested by Doctor of Philosophy and Master's students have received little attention in the curriculum literature, they have existed for some time and have been gaining momentum. In Israel, a high proportion of the science education dissertations has involved curriculum development. A review of curriculum…

Describes how Pre-Planning Evaluation (PPE) aids initial curriculum planning. Presents a case study of how PPE influenced the development of the electricity curriculum in Israeli technical high schools. Concludes that PPE is an essential component of the curriculum development process. (GEA)

One response to the disappointment from the curriculum reform of the 1960's has been an increased tendency towards more teacher autonomy in determining the curriculum. Seven modes of curriculum development in terms of the role of teachers have been identified. Listed from Center to Periphery these are: Centrally Based, Locally Centrally Based,…

Describes a study on the extent to which different children hold animistic notions and the meaning of those notions. Explores the idea of preservice science teachers as researchers. (DDR)

This study describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by a project in Israel entitled Biology Critical Thinking (BCT). The BCT project aims at developing a pool of activities that can be incorporated within the regular course of study without investing too much extra time. The purposes of the study are: (1) to present the…

Describes the use of concept mapping (CM) in design, instruction, and assessment related to microbiology lessons prepared for high school students in Israel. Indicates that students utilizing CM displayed an overall, higher achievement gain than students in traditional classes. Recognizes that some teachers did not thoroughly exploit the potential…

Describes a science program designed to attract children to science through an extended study of biology. Presents a detailed description of the various professional development activities and the results of the formative evaluation of the program. (DDR)

Research and evaluation done in relation to the Israel High School Biology Project (IHBP) are summarized. The IHBP is located at a university and directed by university faculty but maintains direct contact with schools. The IHBP is characterized by its attention to ongoing evaluation. (SLD)

Presents a rationale for teaching inquiry skills and describes a learning module which was designed to develop inquiry skills and provides a realistic view of the nature of scientific research for secondary science students. Explains the module's evaluation procedures and results. (ML)

The relationships and possible effects of various personal home and school variables on the acquisition of functional biological, chemical, and physical scientific knowledge by tenth grade Israeli students (n=544) was investigated. Biology was the only subject in which functional knowledge was significantly related to nonformal science activities.…