Presents an activity that involves construction of a Native American drill to teach about technology, simple and compound machines, mechanical advantage, and force and area. Introduces students to non-Western technological innovations. (JRH)

Describes the personal thoughts, or everyday thinking, of high school science students about a question relevant to science: What is Nature? Finds that a rich breadth of perspectives typically characterized any one student's discussion of Nature, though the level of science integration within everyday thinking remained low. Contains 116…

Describes how the authors used portions of popular movies to help students review concepts related to electromagnetism. Movies used and concepts covered in the review are listed, and a sample activity is described. (WRM)

Discusses the use of school science in students' everyday lives. Argues that the goal of connecting school science to students' everyday lives moves the discussion of public understanding of science to public understanding of technology. Examines the implications and limitations of this movement. Contains 40 references. (Author/WRM)

Presents several activities designed to teach students about the characteristics, classification, life cycle, and uses of the luffa (gourd). (WRM)

Argues that the study of refraction of sound waves, although usually neglected, is an excellent ancillary to the normal optical approach in physics courses. Discusses the historical context of interest in the science behind outdoor sound propagation, particularly during the Civil War in the United States. (WRM)

Addresses the controversy over teaching evolution in K-12 classrooms. Contends that evolution should be taught in the same way as other scientific theories, as the currently accepted view of the scientific community. (WRM)

Studies the complex relationship between science and technology. Derives three different interaction patterns from the history of industrial research laboratories: (1) science as enabler for technology; (2) science as a forerunner of technology; and (3) science as a knowledge resource for technology. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

For many, the dominant model of curriculum development in science includes generating a topic, clarifying science content, identifying activities associated with the topic, and figuring out an assessment. Unfortunately, this approach tends to overemphasize activities and underemphasize mastery of science concepts and the process of scientific…

A comprehensive view of science and technology in curricular reforms and materials is needed to promote public understanding and participation in science issues. This paper presents the results of an analysis of the treatment of the nature of science and technology in science curricular materials in India. Textbook sections on the conceptions of…

Discusses some issues that have long been claimed as the exclusive province of the humanities, such as brotherhood and belonging, the sense of beauty, and the meaning of human. Suggests how a knowledge of science can contribute to understanding. (YP)

Analyzes a "Time" article discussing genetics and bioethics to evoke the need of scientific literacy education. Suggests reform in teacher education programs. (YP)

Presents a lesson, Scientific Literacy Is a Lifetime Skill, that provides thought and discussion on science as an aspect of everyday life. Uses concept mapping to help students explore from their perspective the relationship between formal science education and real-world situations. (JRH)

Traces how the idea of measuring the connection between school science and public awareness of science has emerged. Describes the Program for International Student Achievement (PISA) project's indicators of educational progress in science. Contains 28 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes experiences with holding discussions on cloning at a variety of levels in undergraduate biology courses. Discusses teaching methods used and student reactions to the discussions. Contains 12 references. (WRM)