Would-be reformers in science education must focus on what appears to be a root cause of scientific illiteracy, namely a sort of "corporatist manifesto"--an unwritten ideology that transnational corporations use to control production and consumption to maximize profit. Suggests that this credo is manifested in take-for-granted practices such as…

Analyzes high school biology textbooks with the aim of providing descriptive information and determining the emphasis on scientific literacy themes of body of knowledge, nature of science, inquiry, and Science-Technology-Society (STS) issues. Concludes that the textbooks focus mainly on the knowledge of science and divorce science content from the…

Argues for national consciousness raising about the need for holding high expectations for all students, expecting virtually all of them to succeed. Recommends the removal of false notions about which groups possess the aptitude for technical subjects. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

This book is a collection of essays about science-technology-society (STS) education for school science that examines new challenges and new questions in the domain of STS education. The book does not employ a purely academic approach found in science studies, yet almost every chapter shows some reflection on the historical, philosophical, or…

Discusses three aspects of Australian science education: the curriculum for teaching school science; the structure of science in schooling; and the threat of isolation for school science education, in the context of international developments and directions over the last thirty years. (Author/JRH)

Reports on the process of reform in a school environmental education program from the perspective of a staff member hired at a high school under construction. Focuses on the recognition that a swamp area on the property is an important curriculum resource. (DDR)

Provides a brief index of what is being thought and supported in efforts to formulate a new framework for general education in the sciences. Explains that the goal is to find science curricula with the aim of preparing young people for responsible citizenship in a democratic society. (DDR)

Presents the idea that, to improve secondary science, school science teaching students must be taught to use the activities of science: questioning, information gathering, hypothesizing, testing and conveying, and confronting current issues and problems in science. Activities and ideas that can be used to help students understand and use the…

Focuses on the marginalized discourses that have arisen to oppose the racism, sexism, and classism espoused and advocated by mainstream science since its institutionalization up until the first half of the 20th century. Contains 39 references. (Author/PVD)

Describes the philosophy, development, content structure, and general instructional strategy of BioCom, an introductory biology curriculum for the heterogeneously mixed high school science classroom. Discusses recent recommendations by national commissions and science education research and similarities and differences between BioCom and ChemCom.…

Investigates whether society-technology-science (STS) can become a new program within current educational structures. The article discusses the climate for educational change: establishing a national imperative, renewing the civic mission of schools, and transforming instructional leadership. (SM)

Discussed are the needs and objectives that should be evolving in biology education to meet the needs of modern students. Stressed are the principles of curriculum integration, relevance, cultural fitness, and adaptation. Directions for educational reform are described. (CW)

Examines the rise of the general science course and its implications for the reform of secondary science education. Concludes that while recent reforms emphasize the personal and social character of science and the use of the scientific method, they will not necessarily make students more scientifically literate or train them to think about…

Inquires into the influence of subject communities on the practice of secondary school teachers as they teach a new science and technology course that crosses traditional subject and department boundaries. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Presents a review of trends in student achievement by socioeconomic status and gender within ethnic groups. Suggests that patterns of achievement are alarmingly congruent over time and over studies. Contains 33 references. (DDR)