Discusses the inclusion of socio-scientific issues in science education from the standpoint of social cognition. Describes a study in which adolescents who had successfully completed both high school chemistry and biology were interviewed. Data suggest that their dominant domains of reasoning were in the area of social cognition. (TW)

Discusses the importance of teaching about enzymes in chemistry. Mentions several applications of enzyme technology to other fields. Describes an experiment involving the immobilization of yeast cells as a biocatalyst for the ethanol production from glucose. Argues for more biotechnology to be integrated into basic chemistry courses. (TW)

Presents several perspectives on what quality chemistry teaching is, including the need for chemistry educators to communicate the positive contributions of chemistry to society. Describes a hierarchy of teaching/learning activities, characteristics of good teachers, and examples of how to be aware of the learner's perspective. (TW)

Described is the Issue Analysis Technique designed to educate students about the various beliefs and values held by the people on various sides of a controversial science-related social issue. The background of the technique, procedures, and curricular goals are discussed. An example is provided. (CW)

Points out the contributions of the Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) in understanding the relationship between technology and the development of civilization. Surveys books and articles that deal with this theme. Suggests that the history of technology provides a wealth of insight and information for secondary education. (RW)

Traces the life and inventions of Thomas A. Edison up to the invention of electrical incandescent lighting in 1881. Focuses on the process that Edison followed in developing incandescent lighting, including financial aspects, other competitors in the field, and the eventual establishment of the Edison Electric Light Companies. (RW)

Presents the STS (science/technology/society) outlook profiles of 546 eleventh graders from Israeli high schools within the existing science, nonscience, and technological tracks in terms of cognition, behavior, and literacy. Findings indicate significant differences between the profiles for students regarding behavior and literacy but not for…

Examines issues of science and technology education in the United Kingdom, focusing on the Science and Technology in Society (SATIS) project which was designed to produce resource units to enrich existing curriculum materials for secondary students. The article discusses criteria for materials development, evaluation of SATIS, and future…

Describes action research on the efficacy of problem-based learning using a hermeneutic dialectic methodology. Focuses on the emergence of students' critical-thinking skills, the relevance of science concepts taught, the interdisciplinary nature of the problems addressed, and the changing roles of the teacher and students. Reports that the course…

Since the 1960's biology teaching in secondary schools has been transformed from a formal approach reflecting the structure of the discipline and mirroring the concerns of the scientific community to a broad-based approach reflecting the concerns of society as a whole. The aim of biology education today is to heighten awareness, improve students'…

This competency-based secondary learning guide on understanding the impact of new technology is part of a series that are adaptations of guides developed for adult consumer and homemaking education programs. The guides provide students with experiences that help them learn to do the following: make decisions; use creative approaches to solve…

This packet of materials is intended to provide teachers with an interdisciplinary approach to integrating air quality education into the existing curriculum of Connecticut schools. The unit is designed to complement the student booklet "The Air We Breathe," which is included. A major portion of the document is comprised of teaching…

The collection of vignettes in this book provide science teachers with a multitude of source materials and useful alternatives for incorporation into their curricula and teaching. Teachers may select topics as brief issues for casual reflection or as a means for promoting deeper investigation and analysis. Most of the vignettes can be extended and…

This document describes a general introductory course in applied science intended for students of various interests and abilities. The course is designed to provide high school students with a basic understanding of the space age with an emphasis on model rocketry. Included is an outline of the subject matter to be covered in units on: (1)…

This secondary teaching unit is intended to help students in science and social studies understand some of the forces behind rapid population growth in developing nations and the challenges these countries face. The document includes a student handout that is designed to compare and contrast the demographic transition experienced by developing…