Using the life sciences, this article first reviews essential features of the "NRC Framework for K-12 Science Education" that provided a foundation for the new standards. Second, the article describes the important features of life science standards for elementary, middle, and high school levels. Special attention is paid to the teaching…

The author presents the science and engineering practices from the recently released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas." He recognizes the changes implied by the new framework, and eventually a new generation of science education standards will present new perspectives for the science…

This article centers on the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) and their implications for teacher development, particularly at the undergraduate level. After an introduction to NGSS and the influence of standards in the educational system, the article addresses specific educational shifts--interconnecting science and engineering…

This article is an introduction to the international assessments Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and a review of results from 2003. International comparisons, especially in the media, have elevated interest in science education and stimulated discussions…

Provides five important dimensions of integrated science at the high school level: (1) the importance of level of integration; (2) success of a conceptually coherent integrated curriculum; (3) rationale for integrated science; (4) the role of teachers and administrators in implementing an integrated science program; and (5) the process of…

Describes efforts under the sponsorship of the National Research Council (NRC) to improve science education. Provides an overview of the National Science Education Standards. First published in 1995. (YDS)

Discusses controversy over the teaching of biological evolution and other scientific ideas such as Big Bang theory. Recommends that teachers avoid debating creationists, help students develop a greater understanding and appreciation for science as a way of explaining the natural world, and emphasize inquiry and the nature of science. (Contains 19…

Guidelines are presented to help the classroom science teacher effectively deal with handicapped students. (SA)

Describes briefly the basic principles of humanistic psychology in contrast with behaviorism and Fraudianism. Presents some guidelines for science educator's use of humanistic psychology in the classroom. (PS)

Discusses the following questions: (1) What should the scientifically literate person know?; (2) What exemplary teaching practices will achieve this vision?; (3) How will we know the degree to which we achieve this vision?; and (4) How can we guide the science education system toward the goal of scientific literacy? (ZWH)