Cites the public image problem of field biologists and systematists. Discusses systematics and natural history including species variation, ecology, management of organisms and appreciation of nature. Describes widespread fallacies which downplay the importance of field biology and suggests ways to improve its image. (CW)

Provides rules for a game which simulates selection pressures on a hominid group. Objectives include an appreciation of how selectivity works, an understanding of how abiotic factors are able to influence a population, and how interactions within the population can influence the group. (JM)

The Texas attorney general has said that this state's textbook antievolution rules violate the First Amendment. Responses and issues related to this statement are discussed. The history of these rules is also discussed. (JN)

The educational design of a project option in an Open University course on evolution is described. Also described is the simulation which models the genetic and evolutionary consequences of two populations of a species of flowering plant coming together after a period of genetic isolation. (Author/JN)

Considers the classification of organisms into five kingdoms based on evidence from molecular biology and microscopic techniques. Divides organisms into Protoctista, Monera, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, discussing characteristics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes as related to division of the kingdoms--prokaryotes in kingdom Monera and eukaryotes in…

This bulletin features articles on real world evolutionary biology, revolutionary classroom science, a review of new curricula in evolutionary biology, and the use of case studies to illustrate points in evolutionary biology. The articles are: (1) "'Real World' Evolutionary Biology: A Pragmatic Quest. Interview with BioQUEST's John Jungck" (Harvey…

Suggesting that the evolutionary record may be written in proteins and genes, discusses research in which species are compared by immunology, DNA, and radioimmunoassay. Molecular studies show that DNA from humans and chimps is 98 percent identical, a degree of similarity usually occurring only among animals of the same genus. (JN)

Discusses various aspects of the current debate surrounding evolution and creationism including the debate between neocatastrophists and phyletic gradualists. Includes a brief history of the Creation Research Society and other groups formed by antievolutionists. (CS)

Described are animals that can filter their food out of the water. Various structures modified to strain plankton and small animals from water are detailed. The adaptive significance of these structures is discussed. (CW)

Describes exercises in which tabs from aluminum beverage cans are used to introduce principles of classification, biostratigraphy, and evolution. Provides diagrams which represent dorsal and ventral views of species and a table which graphs units of time in relation to species duration. (RT)

Indicates statistically significant increases for participants in three-week institute involving measures of their acceptance of theory of evolution, measures of their understanding of both applied evolutionary principles and nature of applied science, and measures of their reduced anxieties regarding teaching of evolution. Further, participants…

Describes an interactive internet exercise that enables students to engage in cooperative library and web research on a controversial topic in science, specifically the cloning of extinct lifeforms. Creates a dynamic learning environment in a large introductory geology course and demonstrates the importance of scientific literacy. (Author/SAH)

The forces seeking to subject the theory of evolution to greater criticism tasted both victory and defeat. Kansas officials approved an overhaul of their state science standards to do just that, while voters in a rural Pennsylvania district ousted advocates of "intelligent design" from the school board. Those two high-profile battles…

The theory of evolution, pioneered most famously by Charles Darwin, posits that humans and other living creatures have descended from common ancestors over time through a process of random mutation and natural selection. It is widely considered to be a pillar of modern biology. Over the past year, however, public education has been roiled by…

Contemporary mathematics education is at a crossroads. It has become exposed to forces, both static and dynamic, that pose a challenge to its traditional place in academia. Mathematics has a long-established status as perhaps the most critical foundation for analytical knowledge. But the manner in which mathematics instructors choose to respond to…