Investigates commonsense knowledge schemes connecting the elements weight, air, and gravity to the phenomena of free fall of a range of students from primary school children to adults. Finds that majority of people from the secondary education level onwards held alternative schemes. Discusses educational impacts of mass media. (Author/YP)

Summarizes a meeting sponsored by the Scientists' Institute for Public Information (SIPI). Discusses the effects and problems that stem from the presentation of science via television to the public. Provides some suggestions for solutions to the problems. (YP)

Describes the objectives and the impact of the Double Helix Science Club upon students, teachers, and the nonschool community. This club, which has become a major concern in Australia with a membership of over 16,000 and a magazine distribution approaching 30,000, provides an effective vehicle for many teachers and public servants looking to…

Argues that community, field-based, service-oriented projects can be a powerful way to address concerns of scientific literacy. Based on a case study of two ninth-grade students, it is recommended that an ethic of care and responsible action be an exemplar for schools and teachers. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

This paper reports on the dilution effect of the ozone layer which jeopardizes a section of land in Chile from 53 degrees South latitude to 33 degrees South and the necessity of preparing the population for the possible ecological consequences of an increase in ultraviolet radiation. Scientists in Chile assume part of this task by studying the…

Discoveries, background information, and facts concerning atomic structures and atomic energy are detailed in this booklet. The discussion considers time, space, and spirit. Time refers to a sense of history; space refers to geography; and spirit refers to life and thought. Several chapters regarding the concept of the atom, a time line of the…

The idea of flight and space travel are not new, but the technologies which make them possible are very recent. This booklet considers time, space, and spirit related to living in space. Time refers to a sense of history; space refers to geography; and spirit refers to life and thought. Several chapters on the history and concepts of flight and…

It is common to think of toxic wastes as chemical poisons like lead, mercury, or radioactive waste. Poisonous as these substances may be, there is another class of toxic wastes that are far more poisonous. These are the wastes produced by living bacteria and viruses. This booklet considers three aspects of toxic wastes: time, space, and spirit.…

This annotated bibliography is offered as a resource tool for literary scholars, historians of science, and historians of ideas. Annually since 1939, a bibliography of scholarship on the relations of literature and science has been compiled by the Modern Language Association. The present bibliography incorporates the work of the annual…

The Institute in Physical Science was developed to address the need for updated information and training in physics, chemistry, and technology among teachers of physical science. Five major objectives addressed were to: (1) improve physical science teachers' understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry; (2) provide physical…

Suggests that the use of energy issues in conjunction with the Delphi technique encourages student involvement in real-world science, technology, and society (STS) issues. Provides suggestions on how to engage students in active participation in the real-world politics surrounding scientific issues. Contains 24 references. (DDR)

Provides the results of a review and synthesis of research bearing on ethics and values education in science and technology performed by a group of philosophers, public interest educators, and a science curriculum specialist. (DDR)

Identifies and discusses six themes for teaching "History and Nature of Science and Technology" developed by a teacher enhancement workshop. The themes are designed to provide instructional guidelines for teachers developing courses in this area. Includes sample project descriptions, learning outcomes, and instructional activities. (MJP)

Debates what the role of activism should be in environmental education. Argues that there is a proper place for citizen action in the environmental education curriculum and that instructional sequences should end with citizen action. (DDR)

Projections are analyzed for the future supply and demand of scientists and engineers. The demographics of the college-age population combined with estimates of the percentage of students who will pursue careers in science and engineering indicate significant shortfalls between the supply and demand for the next several decades. (CW)