This literature review provides an overview of recent studies on the introduction of nanosciences and nanotechnologies in secondary education. Four salient research topics have emerged: questions and reflections preceding curriculum development on nanosciences and nanotechnologies lessons; research on students' conceptualisations of nano-related…

Analyzes the role of science curriculum materials in educational reform concluding that materials can and should play a vital role. Concludes also that the use of new curriculum materials must be accompanied by transformative professional development in a supportive school and community environment. (Author/MM)

Describes British teenagers' (n=138) knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward biotechnology with particular reference to food production. Concludes that more than half the teenagers were familiar with the term "biotechnology," but most lacked detailed knowledge of the subject. Teens rated formal schooling in science as an important source of…

Suggests that, to a large extent, science educators tend to separate epistemology from the content and methodology of science. Questions the appropriateness of this practice. (CP)

Evaluates the Nuffield Combined Science program in terms of the Piagetian developmental levels required for successful achievement in the various program divisions. (CP)

Reviews the trends of science choices among secondary level students in Britain, and summarizes research on factors associated with subject choice. (SL)

Reviews studies of cognitive preference tests, outlines the nature of cognitive preferences, and presents an analysis of cognitive preference data. Presents a six-point summary of this analysis and lists four statements that need supportive evidence before further studies using these tests can have any value. (GS)

Provides a review of health issues that could be incorporated into secondary science curricula. Includes sections on the nature of the concepts of health and health education, descriptive health education research, theoretical perspectives on health education, and models and curricula for health education. (ML)

Reviews identified learning problems dealing with stoichiometric calculations. Suggests solutions to these problems along with consequences for the curriculum. Includes remarks from a mathematics teacher concerning these problems. (DS)

Against the background of the current crisis in science education, discusses various aspects of science/technology/society (STS) curriculum and instruction, including the need for new definition of science education, social science education and STS, and STS curriculum materials. Also provides a framework for educating about STS. (JN)

Discusses interests of various social groups in supporting trend to help students relate science to current issues and practical applications, pointing to issues in science/technology/society (STS) curricula that need to be addressed by science teachers and describing some organizational decisions that need to be made in developing STS curriculum…

Describes research on early experiences (reality shock) of young teachers at the beginning of their careers, indicating roots of these experiences. Also describes teacher training courses (focusing on pre-service training for physics teachers and in-service training for new teachers) designed to help teachers cope with reality shock and its…

Reviews the development of the competence movement in Great Britain as well as the related literature. Distinguishes four broad categories of research: (1) technical; (2) evaluative; (3) sociological; and (4) miscellaneous topics. Contains 98 references. (DDR)