The 1996 National Education Science Standards (NSES) in the U.S. provide descriptions of needed reforms for K-16 science teaching and improvements regarding indications of student learning. The goals indicate specifically the changes needed in teaching and improved ways for assessing student learning. This paper discusses how teaching and student…

This article is the first in what will become a continuing series of articles highlighting the perspectives of renowned science educators. The first featured article is by Robert Yager, Science Education Center, University of Iowa, USA. Dr. Yager has directed over 100 NSF projects designed to improve K-16 science programs. He has served as…

In education, STS too often is viewed as a new kind of course--new material for use in teaching. However, this view of STS is fraught with the same kind of problems as traditional teaching of natural science and technology. This major problem is that information is merely transmitted to students by lecture, discussion, verification laboratories,…

The Iowa Chautauqua Program was developed in 1983 with support from National Science Foundation (NSF) which awarded the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) a major grant to study an inexpensive in-service model for stimulating reform in K-12 science classrooms. Iowa was one of the six Chautauqua sites which were modeled after a program…

Addresses the following questions about the Goals 2000 objectives for improving science education: What do we mean by science? What is achievement in science and how do we measure it? What is meant by strengthening science in schools? and What constitutes a substantive background? (MKR)

Ten new books for students of all levels are described. Topics include the environment, insects and animals, astronomy, chemistry, icebergs and glaciers, as well as books of general interest. (MT)

Offers a rationale for and definition of science education, namely, the discipline concerned with the study of the interaction of science and society, the impact of science upon society, as well as the impact of society upon science. (JN)

Describes the Science-Technology-Society (STS) movement and the Iowa Chautauqua Model. Discusses the results of studies in Iowa that looked at the effect of STS upon students with learning disabilities. Results indicate that most students with learning disabilities are better served in classes employing the STS approach than they are in…

Presents a review and analysis of major reform efforts in science education and summarizes the Constructivist Learning Theory. Contends that changes in teaching, not curriculum, are the key to effective reform. (51 references) (Author/MKR)

Suggests that the new context for school science focuses on the real world, real people, and real issues. Areas considered include current problems in science education, the need for a new context, recommendations for a K-12 science curriculum, the science/technology/society (STS) movement, and STS curricula and programs. (JN)

The report looks at the implications of National Assessment of Educational Progress results for teaching science to secondary gifted students. Results of the national status studies of K-12 science programs are briefly summarized, and recommendations for providing science programs for the gifted are offered. (SW)

Discusses problems with science education in schools in the context of their causes, including a dysfunctional working definition of science. Describes and illustrates the Science/Technology/Society movement as a potential means to correct these problems. Presents examples derived from statewide efforts in Iowa. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

A project is described wherein the major activity is assistance to schools for implementing or revising science curriculum programs in Iowa schools. Programs emphasized include all grade levels. Assistance is provided in the areas of mathematics and social studies as well as science. A K-12 Environmental Studies Program was developed by the…

In 1978, Iowa began a program of assessing conditions and designing statewide plans for comprehensive school health education. Curriculum tools were developed and put into use. The program is described and evaluated. (MT)

Offers a rationale for science education that utilizes a science-technology-society (STS) framework. The recommended STS framework can give meaning to efforts to define a K-12 science curriculum, to describe appropriate teaching behaviors and desirable student actions, and to formulate meaningful research questions. (JN)