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

Many claims that the standard Science, Technology, and Society (STS) movement has generally neglected one aspect of scientific and quantitative literacy: the evaluation of expert disagreements on technical matters. Described are the limitations of the standard approach, elements of an alternative approach, and examples of the alternative approach.…

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)

Asks the question: how does society assist citizens to stop deluding themselves with ESP, UFOs, astrology, polygraphy, water dowsing, channeling, and all manner of New Age gimcrackery? Supplies an answer: educators should emphasize instruction in probability models and scientific inference, while imparting an appropriate, scientific skepticism to…

Discussed are the differences between the natural and social science disciplines and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach by the two groups on the subject of science-technology-society (STS). Included is a list of topics that all educated people should know about STS. (KR)

Argues that "connective specialization" could be the basis for a science curriculum that would provide people with the capabilities they will need throughout their working lives in the next century. Claims that science teachers need to see science in its relationship to other subjects and fields of study and that they must initiate…

Criticizes the national curriculum in England and Wales for not giving elementary-school teachers the freedom to explore relationships between subjects, especially as they relate to scientific and technological literacy. Argues that teacher education in science and technology and teacher input into curriculum development must also be improved.…

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 ways in which newspaper articles can serve science teachers as a springboard for discussion, creativity, prediction, and understanding in science classrooms. Articles can be used to study historical scientific discoveries, design lesson plans, and boost scientific literacy. (PVD)

The global economy has "flattened" the world in terms of skills and technology. A new workforce of problem-solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self-reliant and able to think logically is one of the critical foundations that drive innovative capacity in a state. The K-12 (kindergarten through grade 12) education system, with the…

This report is a policy statement for science curriculum and instruction in elementary schools. It describes a set of organizing principles that incorporate what science ought to be taught, and a learning sequence that illustrates how more "hand-on, minds-on" science can become more prevalent in our schools. Chapters included are: (1)…

There is growing recognition in the industrialized world that scientific literacy is an important component of long-term economic growth and of effective citizenship. Virtually every major industrialized nation has, in recent years, examined its science and mathematics education system and many have taken steps to improve the scope and quality of…

Reviews efforts of Britain's Committee on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) and identifies specific initiatives of the program. Evaluates aspects of the Royal Society's report and examines the status and future direction of the program in enhancing the public image of science. (ML)

Advocates an integrated course of instruction for the natural sciences which would serve to provide students with reference points for later life. Identifies the aims and fundamental insights of an integrated approach. Offers perspectives on the selection of course topics and the role of the student and teacher. (ML)

This digest reviews information in the science education literature on teaching about societal issues in science classes. Reasons for including a discussion of social issues in science classrooms are given, and instructional approaches for teaching about science and society are presented. Several Internet resources related to teaching about…