The release of A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (NRC, 2012) provides the basis for the next generation of science standards. This article first describes that foundation for the life sciences; it then presents a draft standard for natural selection and evolution. Finally, there is a…

Focusses on student attitudes and social change, both of which suggest the need for new policies for science education that reflect the demands of an ecological society. (HM)

Presented is a historical account of science teaching in the United States from the era of Thomas Jefferson to the present. Special emphasis is placed on present demands to reform science teaching from the elementary level through college. Reform policies for consideration are listed in the article. (MA)

A connection between science and society can be seen in the human and ecological dimensions of one contemporary problem: acid rain. Introduces a human ecological theme and relationships between acid rain and public policy, considering scientific understanding and public awareness, scientific research and public policy, and national politics and…

Discusses the emergence of the biology curriculum which replaced physiology, zoology, and botany in high school science courses and supplanted an early form of general science known as natural history. (RT)

Describes nine commercially available programs which represent one aspect or a portion of the human ecology theme. Other information supplied for each program includes: program objectives; methods of instruction; specific subjects, grade, and ability levels; materials produced and purchasable; program implementation; teacher preparation; program…

Discusses the use of and recommends a new direction for laboratory work within the context of teaching human ecology for science and social science teachers and compares traditional and human ecological approaches to science laboratory work. (CS)

Discusses purposes and policies of science education, including present growth trends and the resulting problems of human ecological scarcity, global nature of these problems, and the need for a global response to alter current trends. Emphasizes the role of science/technology in the amelioration of global problems. (Author/JN)

The lack of a vision of sustainability in contemporary science education is discussed. Policies for curriculum and instruction that will enhance sustainable growth that are based on the ideas of fulfilling basic human needs, improving the environment, conserving resources, and developing a sense of community are presented. (KR)

Described is an elementary school science program developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study entitled "Science for Life and Living: Integrating Science, Technology and Health." Discussed are the rationale, unifying themes, organization, teaching model, implementation, development, production, and support for this program. (CW)