This project is designed to implement and sustain a scientific-and technological-literacy-for-all-students approach in elementary schools in Arizona. An action plan will be developed by each school community and will include the following features: a) designation of the school principal as the facilitator of school community change, b) selection of a science instructional leader who will receive special preparation in a science, technology, society, and science education academy, c) design of vehicles for the sharing of up-to-date science and technology information by the science instructional leader with other teachers and children, d) development of interdisciplinary, instructional thematic units which provide up-to-date technology learning experiences to supplement the existing science and social studies programs, and e) involvement of community businesses, industries, informal education agencies and key parents. A variety of useful products and outcomes will be developed including: a)A Science, Technology, Society Curriculum Data Bank which will enable sharing of such resources as: thematic units developed by teachers; newsletters on science and technology; reviews of relevant video- cassettes; reviews of relevant television programs; reviews and suggested use of locally available curriculum materials; information about community resources, computer software programs, pamphlets, brochures, and films. b)A report about effective strategies and approaches for creating thematic units that utilize local resources, deal with societal issues, and have local and community relevance and practicality for students. c)Suggestions about effective strategies and techniques for implementing thematic units with children in classrooms. d)Descriptive, longitudinal and comparative research data about the process and effects of attempting to bring about substantial change in the science curriculum utilizing two different sequences of teacher preparation and implementation.
