Science lessons were created to promote scientific and technological literacy (STL) among Estonian students. Teacher interviews (n=20) and student responses (n=470) to open-ended questions were analyzed based on process, attitudinal, and instructional domains. Outcomes emphasized the need for in-service guidance for teachers' better understanding…

Discusses aspects of more than a decade of research and implementation of cross-curriculum themes as part of the curriculum for secondary school students in Spain. Comments on theoretical and practical issues encountered in developing similar projects. Contains 45 references. (Author/WRM)

Presents an interview with George Nelson, former astronaut and director of Project 2061 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Nelson discusses his interest in science and math education, and future challenges for educators. (WRM)

Analyzes the main conceptual, attitudinal, and societal factors that obstruct effective environmental education. Contends that understanding these obstacles can help improve the effectiveness of environmental education programs. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/WRM)

Presents an overview of science and technology teacher preparation in Asia that emphasizes the educational reforms taking place as influenced by socioeconomic developments and advances in science and technology. (DDR)

Presents a brief argument for Science Technology Society (STS) studies as grounded in fundamental historical transformations of the human condition, outlines seven distinct approaches to STS, and concludes with a brief for STS as the new form of liberal education. (Contains 11 references.) (Author)

A Congressional hearing was held at the New River Community College in Dublin, Virginia, to address the challenges of achieving quality science education in southwest Virginia. Speakers representing the subcommittee included Rick Boucher, Chairman, Subcommittee on Science; and Dr. Luther S. Williams, Assistant Director for Education and Human…

This paper presents an argument in support of "training little scientists" based on the requirements of participation in a media-laden, democratic society fraught with scientific claims and counterclaims. This leads to a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of various approaches to science education, including how they play out in practice.…

The use of science fiction can be a valuable tool for constructing a highly mental schema in a learner on which to build new learning, to stimulate creative problem solving, and to generate the flexibility needed for adjusting to a rapidly changing, progressively technological society. By using science fiction in a science class, a science teacher…

This guide to science, technology, and society (STS) education was assembled to assist school districts, curriculum specialists, and teachers in implementing STS in schools. The following categories of resources are included: newsletters and journals; academic series; general reading list; recent periodical literature; selected STS literature in…

Based on the premise that science and technology directly affect a wide range of personal activities and impact policy issues of national and international importance, this report aims to show why it matters that all sections of the public should have some understanding of science and to stimulate action by scientists and others to improve this…

This paper provides background information for setting science education goals. The first part, "History of Reform in Science Education," describes: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF) curriculum materials and their characteristics in the late 1950s; (2) the milestone studies and the status of science education in the 1970s; and (3) the…

Discusses the main objectives of ecohistory and sources of information for this study. Details five themes that are important for students to know about the history of ecology including the history of Earth, fauna and flora, the human species, human civilization, and changes in the human environment. (CW)

Provides details of writing assignments used in science and technology classes. Students select a technology, research its historical development, and then comment on the use of the technology. A list of concepts that are distributed to students is included. (DDR)

Scientific illiteracy in society begins in grade school, but preservice elementary teachers typically take only one or two disconnected science courses towards certification. Faculty from four disciplines developed an integrated science course tailored for elementary education majors. Students learn the importance of a well-rounded scientific…