![[Table of Contents]](/icons/up.gif){kind=icon}
| STS Issues and Solutions (STSIS). A one-semester curriculum that focuses on the interrelationships among science, technology, and society and on the skills needed for the investigation, evaluation, and citizenship responsibilities associated with science-related social issues. |
Audience Approved by PEP for grades 6-8.
Description STS Issues and Solutions (STSIS) provides training in the investigation and participation skills needed by a scientifically literate citizen. Following an introduction to science-technology-society interactions, the program prepares students to conduct investigations into issues related to those interactions in their own community or region. Science-technology-society issues, for example, include controversies over transportation safety, medical procedures, use of animals in research, and zoning or development decisions. Environmental issues, such as solid waste management, use of wetlands, asbestos in the workplace, and endangered species are also examples of STS issues which students might choose to investigate.
STSIS addresses Goals 3 and 5 of the National Goals for Education. With its major emphasis on science, technology, society, and their interactions, this program is an excellent example of authentic learning as students investigate science-related issues in their own community. Through their application of scientific concepts and principles in a meaningful community-based context, students recommend issue solutions and produce (and evaluate) action plans which help bring about those recommended solutions.
Evidence of Effectiveness Eighth graders in the STSIS program tested significantly higher on a postinstruction test using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in both science and social studies than did students in a comparison group receiving traditional instruction. Students involved in STSIS received higher scores than comparison students on measures of overt citizen behavior, individual locus of control, group locus of control, knowledge and perceived knowledge of citizen action skills, and perceived skill in the use of citizen action skills.
Requirements Teachers must be trained in the STSIS model. Inservice training consists of a minimum of five days. Each participating student must have a consumable work text. It is also highly recommended that participating schools develop a library of issue-related videotapes, articles, and books.
Costs Training costs for a group of 30 teachers include two trainers at $250 per day per trainer, for five days, plus expenses. Assuming a 100 student load for each teacher, start-up costs are $12-$16 per student. Continued operating costs are $9-$10 per student per year for the annual purchase of the consumable student work text.
Services Training and consultation are available. Student consumable work texts are available for purchase.
Developmental Funding: Private.
PEP No. 93-12 (3/26/93)
-###-
[Videodisc Instruction in Core Science Concepts]