An overview is presented of the epistemology of the three types of constructivism. Criticized is another interpretation of constructivism; it is stated that this interpretation is trivial, cognitively abridged, and disrespectful of students' capacities, creativity, and imagination. Constructivism has to go beyond saying that knowledge is…

Eight examples of innovative and outstanding energy education programs are described. These programs were selected using state criteria and at least four independent reviewers. While Project Synthesis offered a desired state, these examples of excellence provided views of what is already a reality. The goals of an exemplary science program are…

The activities of an increasingly technological society call for greater command of science and mathematics at the precollege level than at any time in the past. Yet evidence from numerous studies indicates that the majority of U.S. citizens are not being equipped with the scientific and mathematical tools needed to participate in that…

This document presents a survey of ideas concerning environmental issues and educational efforts to improve the quality of life. Chapter one, "Environmental Education for Understanding and Solving Environmental Problems," includes sections on the relationship between cultural heritage and the environment, and methodologies in…

This study investigated the types of tactics and strategies students used in working with computer simulations and examined if the skills acquired when using the computer simulation could be applied in other settings. Sixth grade students (N=50) from three different schools participated in the study and were observed over a period of six weeks.…

Developed to provide ideas for the teaching of mathematics and science skills and processes, this booklet focuses on activities dealing with foods for students of middle school. The materials and equipment needed for most of the investigations can be found in the kitchen, market, or classroom. Each of the 25 activities have both student sheets and…

Developed as a means of integrating mathematics skills and science processes, this booklet focuses on activities dealing with geology, oceanography, and meteorology for students of grades five through eight. Twenty mathematics skills and 11 science processes are listed and indexed for the 18 activities. Each activity consists of student sheets and…

In 1986, after a thorough review of educational goals for Saskatchewan (Canada) schools, the Saskatchewan Department of Education published its findings and recommendations. A key recommendation was to incorporate six "common essential learnings" categories into all courses of study offered in Saskatchewan schools. One of these six…

Data on science achievement, student attitudes and educational practices in the United States and 23 other countries were collected. This data was taken from random samples of the fifth, ninth, and twelfth grade levels. This report card conveys a few of the findings of the Second IEA Science Study regarding the performance of students in the U.S.…

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of a middle school inservice course emphasizing science process skills on the development of integrated process skills and on logical thinking. Twenty-two middle-school science teachers from the Detroit Public Schools participated in this project. A "Resourcebook of Science Process…

Since the early 1980s, many reports have appealed for improvement in science and mathematics education in the schools. Even when new and/or supplementary materials are provided and made available to teachers, natural inertia is difficult to overcome. This document reports on the status of science and mathematics education improvement in three…

This book, written by science educators from nine countries, provides a summary of the strengths and weaknesses in practices of science education in schools, and of research in science education. It points out a number of directions that are likely to lead to improvements in the teaching and learning of science if applied in the future. Topics…

This booklet for children emphasizes the exploration and protection of the environment. An introduction discusses the interaction between humankind and the environment, emphasizing that the earth is a closed system. Chapter 1, "Mission: Protect the Water," addresses human dependence on water, water pollution, and water treatment. Chapter…

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…

This curriculum unit on oceans for grades K-8 contains lesson plans, vocabulary lists, core activities, resource lists, and a student evaluation worksheet developed by rural Gallatin County, Montana, teachers as part of an inservice Rural Schools Integrated Curriculum Project administered by the Montana State University College of Education. The…