Conflict-reducing practices during evolution instruction have been recommended to increase students' perceived compatibility between evolution and religion, increase evolution acceptance, and decrease stereotypes about religious students in science. However, the efficacy of these practices has not been demonstrated in a randomized controlled…

This study investigated students' perceptions of the study of evolution in a small conservative Christian college. Students' interest in the subject is influenced by several factors, including prior exposure to the material, students' belief system, and the instructors' attitudes towards the subject. These factors also determine the ability of…

Understanding genetic drift is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of biology, yet it is difficult to learn because it combines the conceptual challenges of both evolution and randomness. To help assess strategies for teaching genetic drift, we have developed and evaluated the Genetic Drift Inventory (GeDI), a concept inventory that measures…

Phylogenetic trees provide visual representations of ancestor-descendant relationships, a core concept of evolutionary theory. We introduced "tree thinking" into our introductory organismal biology course (freshman/sophomore majors) to help teach organismal diversity within an evolutionary framework. Our instructional strategy consisted…

Presents two case studies that describe attempts by legislators in Arkansas and Michigan to restrict the teaching of evolution and the responses of science educators. Demonstrates that the same discredited arguments that have been used elsewhere continue to recur and that those interested in promoting quality science education can respond with…