Grant-funded curriculum development efforts can substantially impact practice and research in science education. Therefore, understanding the sometimes-unintended consequences of changes in grant priorities is crucial. Using the case of two large funding agencies in the United States, the current portfolio review provides insight into these…

Background: In this era of rapid technical advancement, there are growing debates around the idea of nanotechnology, which are both timely and controversial. Nanotechnology materials are being utilized in our daily lives in many ways, often without consumer knowledge. Due to the explosion of nanotechnology applications, there is a necessity to…

The purpose of the study was to identify and refine a conceptual foundation for secondary school engineering education. Specifically, this study sought to address the following research questions: (1) What engineering concepts are present in literature related to the nature and philosophy of engineering?; (2) What engineering concepts are embedded…

More than 20,000 kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and more than 6,000 college and university faculty are directly involved in National Science Foundation (NSF) education projects. Building on more than 4 decades of knowledge and experience, NSF today is able to provide vigorous leadership in the nation's efforts to strengthen science,…

An American Chemical Society (ACS) task force was charged to examine the state of chemistry education in the United States and to make recommendations in light of its findings. This document presents the task force's report and 39 major (and also secondary) recommendations. These recommendations, with accompanying discussions, focus on: (1)…

Argues that the recent "crisis" in science education was unfounded. Claims that the reduction in federal funding through the National Science Foundation in 1981 was the real problem that precipitated the concerns about scientific literacy. (TW)

The Program for Research in Teaching and Learning of the National Science Foundation (NSF) supports basic and applied research on what NSF considers to be the most significant factors that underlie effective teaching and learning in science and mathematics at all levels. This document provides descriptions of projects funded during fiscal years…

Reports on the results of a conference of leaders in science education research held at the University of California, Berkeley, January 16-20, 1986. Describes the themes that emerged from the disucssions and makes four recommendations intended to encourage the development of an integrated research base in science education. (TW)

Discusses the recent increases in funding to the science and engineering directorate at the National Science Foundation. Credits the resurgence to the United States Congress. Questions how long the rise in the science education budget will be maintained. (TW)

In March, 1986, the National Science Foundation (NSF) commissioned a study designed to assess initiatives available to NSF to address problems and opportunities in K-12 science education. The first part of this volume presents a detailed discussion of "core functions" for the NSF in K-12 science education (promoting professional…

Science education has become a focal point in recent years for discussion and speculation. Numerous reports indicate that science instruction is not producing high quality education. This document notes many of the changes in science education by citing historical trends in the field since 1940. It then goes on to describe a cooperative unified…

Presented in this volume is the final report of the first phase of a study designed to assess initiatives available to the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address problems and opportunities in K-12 science education. The report begins with a discussion of NSF's mission in K-12 science education, followed by a review of the problems that limit…

Reviews events leading to the Congressional controversy of funding the precollege implementation program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and attempts to identify some issues related to NSF involvement in the implementation of curriculum projects that merit further study by those responsible for developing long-range educational policy.…

Summarizes Part I of an NSF report on the status of science and engineering education in the United States. Recommends increasing public awareness of the need for excellence in science and technology and proposes four courses of action for improving curricula, and helping teachers. (SK)

This report summarizes the findings and conclusions from the first phase of a study entitled "Assessment of Initiatives Available to Address Problems and Opportunities in K-12 Science Education." The study was done for the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of its response to a congressional requirement that NSF seek outside…