Scientific thinking and understanding are essential for all people navigating the world, not just for scientists and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals. Knowledge of science and the practice of scientific thinking are essential components of a fully functioning democracy. Science is also crucial for the…

In April of 2010, the author was approached to write a proposal that would provide grant money for a summer program to take place at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS). The FAMU DRS functions as a normal K-12 school; however, it is administered by the Florida A&M University College of…

The deadline pressure states faced in submitting applications in the federal Race to the Top competition is now being felt at the local level, as school districts scurry to craft work plans that show how they will execute ambitious changes in education policy. Eleven states, plus the District of Columbia, have won a combined $4 billion this year…

A transdisciplinary course in marine biology and oceanography is described. The course was conducted during an experimental educational venture in which the school calendar was organized into two shortened semesters and a one-month miniterm in January. The field experience involved activities in the Florida Keys during the miniterm. (EB)

The manatee is known for its gentleness and uniqueness and has become a symbol of human concern for endangered species. This guide provides current information on the West Indian manatee as well as strategies for teaching about this endangered animal. While focusing on the manatee, this guide points out the importance of interdependencies within…

This unit examines the earth's processes and systems from an energy perspective. A technical language for discussion of energy systems is developed. Objectives include the ability of students to discuss earth's carbon/oxygen cycle, hydrological cycle, and heat patterns and the functioning of producers, consumers and decomposers in the environment.…

Florida's accountability program, the result of the Florida Accountability Acts of 1968 and 1976, contains four parts: statewide assessment program, functional literacy testing, compensatory education program, and norm-referred testing, which are discussed in this article. (BB)

Summarizes a survey of Florida secondary schools on various aspects of their population education, including objectives, departments teaching this subject, topics and concepts included, and types of instructional resources desired by the teachers. (MLH)

This resource monograph is one of a series designed as a teaching guide for field studies. Each guide centers around the exploration, observation, and interpretation of a field site in one of the four geological areas of Florida. Incorporated into the guides are many of the subject-matter schemes of the Earth Science Curriculum Program (ESCP) and…

This document is a comprehensive directory of Federal Offices, programs, and facilities for K-12 education in mathematics and science for the Southeast Region. The purpose of this directory is to assist educators, parents, and students in attaining the National Education Goals, particularly Goal 4: "By the year 2000, U.S. students will be…

This manual focuses upon natural resources issues and biophysical characteristics of the Everglades and adjacent southern Florida. Topics of the seven units of study are: animal life, ecosystems, geology, land use, plant life, recreation, and water management. Preceeding the activities in each unit is background information intended for both…

This unit is intended to examine the causes of the endangerment of Florida's plant and animal species with a detailed look at varied ecological systems. Individual lessons are designed to be used either by individual students progressing at their own rate or by small groups. Units may be modified for use by large groups. (Author/RE)

This resource monograph is one of a series designed as a teaching guide for field studies. Each guide centers around the exploration, observation, and interpretation of a field site in one of the four geological areas of Florida. Incorporated into the guides are many of the subject-matter schemes of the Earth Science Curriculum Program (ESCP) and…

This resource monograph is one of a series designed as a teaching guide for field studies. Each guide centers around the exploration, observation, and interpretation of a field site in one of the four geological areas of Florida. Incorporated into the guides are many of the subject-matter schemes of the Earth Science Curriculum Program (ESCP) and…