National biology reforms often define evolution as the unifying concept in biology. However, few inservice teachers have an understanding of this role. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a course sequence in evolution designed for inservice biology teachers on their conceptions of the role of evolution in biology.…

This document is intended as a guide for both experienced and inexperienced teachers of Regents Biology in New York State. It presents a collection of demonstrations, activities, and strategies designed to enrich the teaching of that course. The guide includes seven units of study. Units are focused on unity and diversity among living things,…

Aspects of the theory of "scientific creationism" are defined and compared to accepted evolutionary theory. Implications of the accommodation of creationism in public school science curricula are then discussed. A history of state legislation mandating the inclusion of creationism as an alternative to the theory of evolution is reviewed, and the…

From respondents to a questionnaire sent to a random sample of 654 Texas biology teachers, the following conclusions were made: 86% agreed evolution should be taught, 47% agreed it was a central theme in biology, 8% indicated that it conflicted with the Bible, and 7% noted there were more useful alternative theories explaining the history of the…

Developed as part of a document series that focuses on science and technology teaching, this volume was produced under the auspices of the Commission for Biological Education of the International Union of Biological Sciences (CBE-IUBS). It serves to provide biology teachers and others concerned with secondary biology curriculum development with…

Describes the programs of the Department of Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Focuses on the graduate degrees offered in environmental biology. Lists research interests and courses in plant biology, entomology, forestry, civil engineering, and landscape architecture. (TW)

Excerpts from the opinions of the Attorney General of Maryland on the constitutionality of this state's House Bill 1078 (balanced presentation of creationism/evolution) are presented. Indicates that the bill has as its purpose and effect the advancement of religion and would foster an excessive governmental entanglement with religion. (Author/JN)

Argues that the fight against creationism in public schools is essential to the preservation of First Amendment rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Discusses how creationists, to avoid religious issues, are presenting the "creation-science" (pseudoscience) issue in terms of academic freedom and censorship. (Author/JN)

Objectives, topics/understandings to be taught, and teachers notes are provided for the seven units in this Regents biology syllabus. Units and major topic areas include: (1) unity and diversity among living things (concept of life, diversity/unity of life); (2) maintenance in living things (nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion,…

Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP) modules were designed to: (1) provide students with the methods and results of continuing investigations into the composition, history, and processes of the earth's crust and the application of this knowledge to man's activities and (2) to be used by teachers with little or no previous background in the…

Traces origins of present-day creationists from their 19th-century fundamentalist beginnings, focusing on past and current objections to the teaching of evolution and efforts to require the teaching of creationism in public schools. Discusses creationist arguments and strategies to accomplish their aims. (JN)

Describes contributions and efforts of New York law firm (Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, Flom) personnel in developing plaintiff's case in McLean v. Arkansas 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution). Discusses aspects of "Pro Bono Publico" (unpaid public interest service) endeavors in general and those related to this law firm in…

Discusses basic errors (confusions) in creationist's viewpoint, confusions about religion and the formal structure, methods, and canons of science. Reviews theological testimony in McLean v. Arkansas 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution), indicating that the logic of plaintiff's case was directed at such confusions in and "scientific"…

Describes a course entitled "DNA and Evolution" in which students develop an appreciation for what science is and how it is practiced as well as an understanding of how some of the most central ideas in biology were developed and tested. Discusses the design of the course, the lecture and discussion topics, and the results and their…

Evolution by natural selection provides the conceptual framework upon which much of modern biology is based: therefore understanding core ideas about biological evolution is an essential part of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, research repeatedly shows that high school and college students have difficulties understanding the notion of natural…