Biological determinism represents a pseudo-scientific inquiry that is ultimately used to foster a scientific rationale for the maintenance of classism, racism, and sexism in general. Genetic diversity is an inescapable fact, but it is cultures that human brains have created that most severely limit potential. (SLD)

Provides an exercise designed to give students an appreciation for the genetic basis of behavior. Employs the phenomenon of glucose aversion as an example of evolution by mutation and accelerated natural selection, thereby revealing one of the ways in which organisms adapt to human interference. (DDR)

A study involving 27 families examined the relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and the risk to first-degree relatives. The 13 children with SLI and AD/HD had a significantly higher chance of having first-degree relatives with speech/language disorder than the 14…

The social development of a female rhesus monkey was followed from birth until death, age 32 months. The monkey had an extra autosome and was hydrocephalic. The monkey showed serious motor deficiencies, delayed social development, poorly established dominance relationships, and heavy dependence on mother and kin. The monkey was, however, well…

Excerpts writings of past African American intellectuals on the issue of presumptions of innate black mental inferiority, and applies their analyses to the scientific racism found in "The Bell Curve" (Herrnstein and Murray, 1994). Ideas for incorporating this critical tradition into current efforts, to prevent the resurgence of white…

Suggests that the heterogeneity of human personality characteristics increases with age. Examines reasons for this phenomenon in terms of individual differentiation, social structure/allocation, and behavioral genetics. Develops a model synthesizing various study designs that prevent variation and covariation errors from occurring in life course…

Presents a soybean project designed with an interdisciplinary approach that includes the stages of planting soybeans, studying the impact of rhizobium bacteria on soybean root development, synthesizing the raw oil to methyl ester, testing of biodiesel on a hybrid electric car, and studying the commodities market. Integrates plant science,…

Describes a general education genetics course in which students are required to write a term paper comparing an article in the peer-reviewed scientific literature with a popular article on the same subject. Highlights the important features of scientific literature. (SAH)

A case study is presented of a Brazilian adolescent with a behavioral profile meeting the criteria of autism. After clinical and laboratory examinations, it was found that he had an abnormal karyotype. The need for case studies to develop data for defining an etiological basis for diagnosis is emphasized. (CR)

Recommends the use of a model of DNA made out of Velcro to help students visualize the steps of DNA replication. Includes a materials list, construction directions, and details of the demonstration using the model parts. (DDR)

This article addresses epidemiologic and demographic characteristics of hereditary hearing loss and genetic evaluation and counseling. It discusses who should have genetic counseling, the genetic counseling process, and effects of genetics technology on the genetic counseling process. A case study of a 2-year-old with severe sensorineural hearing…

Reviews the claim, endorsed by many psychologists and educators, that raising teachers' expectations of their students' potential will raise student intelligence. Reviews the original study by R. Rosenthal and L. Jacobsen (1968) and the controversy that followed and discusses the consequences for educational policy and practice. (SLD)

Identifies different approaches to exchanging genetic origins information in third party assisted conception. Critiques the model currently in force in the United Kingdom and advocates its replacement by a system that more closely resembles that introduced in Victoria, Australia in 1988. (Author/KB)

A study assessed genetic and environmental etiologies of reading, rapid naming (RN), and their covariation using data from 587 twin pairs (ages 7-20) in which one student had reading difficulties and from 360 control pairs. Correlation between reading and RN performances for subjects was significantly higher than that of controls. (Contains…

Since genetics is about biological development and diversity, it is related to contentious social issues (like racism) and already permeates the K-12 curriculum. Staff who educated themselves about brain research can grasp genetics concepts and decide what knowledge is worth imparting to students. Print and web resources are listed. (MLH)