Discussed is the idea that scientific illiteracy among scientists lies at the heart of the problems with undergraduate science education. Included is a description of a science literacy course for nonmajors and a proposed list of the most important ideas underlying science. (KR)

The questions of how science should be taught and why science education is failing are addressed in this article. The science/technology/society (STS) perspective and the importance of students becoming scientifically literate are emphasized. The essential elements of a high quality science curriculum are listed. (KR)

Discusses the historical development and present status of a current educational trend in science education, Science-Technology-Society (STS). Presents the origins of the trend, a comparison of STS science classes to traditional classes, and general results of studies contrasting STS with traditional teaching. (35 references) (MDH)

The efforts to enlarge the awareness, scientific knowledge, and political skill of people, to promote pro-environmental attitudes and support, through the development of science/technology/society (STS) courses are described. The STS program found in the secondary schools and colleges of Quebec is described. (KR)

Explores the views of Japanese students (N=2478) concerning the nature of science, technology, and society via a questionnaire. Discusses the results within the context of Japanese culture. (DDR)

Quantitative and qualitative studies of public understanding of science conducted in many countries provide important insights into the extent to which lay citizens understand important scientific concepts, and the ways in which they seek and use scientific knowledge. Identifies some dimensions of "citizen science" and examines their implications…

Illustrates the need for new avenues for making the findings of science, particularly ecology, understandable to the broadest possible audience. Proposes using unorthodox means such as poetry for conveying information. (DDR)

Scientific literacy and attitudes toward science play an important role in human daily lives. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether first-year pre-service teachers in colleges in Taiwan have a satisfactory level of scientific literacy. The domains of scientific literacy selected in this study include: (1) science content; (2) the…

Scientific literacy seems to be one of those recurring preoccupations in the scene of science education in the United States. As usual, the science education community is not unanimous about there being a crisis. There is either a healthy pluralism and ongoing discussion or a complete lack of orientation in science education on this topic.…

Since the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) was created, more than a dozen years ago, public understanding of the environmental issues confronting our planet has increased enormously. The Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) has provided several environmental assessments including urban air pollution, climate modification,…

Since the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) was created, more than a dozen years ago, public understanding of the environmental issues confronting our planet has increased enormously. The Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) has provided several environmental assessments. The aim of the UNEP/GEMS Environment Library is to provide…

Reviews the state of scientific and technological research in Great Britain and discusses efforts to insure its growth. Advocates a national plan for science that would provide a more balanced set of national research and development priorities. Addresses concerns related to the shortage of scientists and the condition of education. (ML)

Discusses the portrayal of science and scientists on prime-time television and assesses the impact that it has on public conceptions of science. Reports that television cultivates a less than favorable orientation toward science and scientists. Offers recommendations for improvement. (ML)

Reports an investigation of the perceptions of technology of teachers who are the heads of their school science departments. Relates these perceptions with those of a sample of 13-year-old pupils. Reveals that many teachers have a restricted view of technology. Discusses the implications of findings for curriculum change. (CW)

This study, part of a larger research project, explored the knowledge of the general population regarding cloning. It also sought to determine where people gather information on cloning. Such awareness of the general public's knowledge of important scientific topics and sources from which people retrieve information can help scientific and…