Recent work in science and technological studies has provided a clearer understanding of the way in which science functions in society and the interconnectedness among different strands of science, policy, economy and environment. It is well acknowledged that a different way of thinking is required in order to address problems facing the global…

Nanotechnology promises to amend an understanding of elemental properties, alter the basic techniques of manufacturing, and improve disease diagnosis. There is a disconnect among the positive predictions of scientists and researchers, the fears of public interest groups, and the developers of products. A new framework for evaluating the social…

Tools for studying the social and environmental effects of technology include case studies, community-based studies involving real local problems, role playing, cost-benefit analysis, technology assessment, and lab experiments. (SK)

Assesses students' existing and developing decision-making ability against the background of a normative model of the decision making process. Results indicate that after a unit on household packaging waste the students' arguments about a decision making situation improved in terms of validity and clarity of the criteria used. Contains 16…

Describes the experiences of six science teachers and a facilitator involved in an action research group in science, technology, and society (STS) education. Explores the genesis of an issues-based model and highlights applications of this model in a classroom context. Examines action research as a potential tool for professional development in…

This article attempts to help teachers conceptualize science-related social issues and provides assistance in teaching such issues. Two teaching approaches are recommended: the case study approach and the investigation skills approach. Instructional goals are outlined, and each of the two teaching approaches is analyzed. (IAH)

Describes a new high school physics option in Great Britain which uses the model of a technological approach to the study of materials. Discusses the components of the program, including the development of a student book for independent learning and six case studies. Provides a case study about turbine blades. (TW)

Investigates townsite distribution in South Dakota's land settlement pattern. Reviews past theories explaining eastern South Dakota's systematic spacing of towns along rail lines. Indicates a correlation between railroad functions and town development, advancing the theory that nineteenth-century railroad technology, involving traffic control and…

Presented is a case study of a Science/Technology/Society course. Described are the specific goals and objectives of the course and the design of the study. The results of the study and the validity and transferability of this type of assessment are discussed. (CW)

The 52 papers presented reflect the diverse interests of the members of the National Association for Science, Technology and Society (NASTS). The first two papers deal with theoretical issues related to technological literacy (TL). Two papers discuss technology education at the elementary school level. Twelve papers cover various aspects of…

Described is how fifth graders used the Extended Case Study (ECS) approach to understand, analyze, investigate, and act on a science-related social issue in their community. The ECS approach provides a vehicle for teachers to coordinate an interdisciplinary Science-Technology-Society or environmental education perspective with science knowledge…

Throughout the world, increased attention is being paid to the promotion of out-of-school activities in the fields of science and technology. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization supports a wide range of activities such as science clubs, fairs, Olympiads, museums and centers. This publication presents a broad…