In spring of 1998, the Biology Department at Pomona College changed from a two-semester survey introductory biology sequence to a core set of three courses, none of which is a traditional survey course. They had been wrestling for several years with a number of issues regarding the survey courses, including (1) what topics to include and exclude;…

A large number of animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate due to ecosystem alteration, hunting, introduction of species, predator and pest control, capture of animals for legitimate and illegal purposes and pollution. There is concern man may not be able to survive in a world void of diversity. (BT)

In December of 1978 the New York State Board of Regents ordered the New York State Education Department to conduct a detailed study of the way in which the subject of origins should be treated in a revised version of the Regents Biology Syllabus. The author was invited to supply scientific information to the Bureau of Science Education, which was…

Three examples of genetics and evolution simulation concerning Mendelian inheritance, genetic mapping, and natural selection are used to illustrate the use of simulations in modeling scientific/natural processes. First described is the HERED series, which illustrates such phenomena as incomplete dominance, multiple alleles, lethal alleles,…

The remarkable habits of harvester, fungus, honeydew, slave- keeping, and parasitic ants are examined. (KM)

The authors express their concerns about attempts (completed and anticipated) to censor science content in textbooks and provide examples of censorship of material on evolution in biology textbooks. (PEB)

Describes current experiments that help to explain chemical processes which probably existed prior to the first living cells. Some experiments suggest that a significant portion of a major metabolic pathway, the Krebs cycle, may have developed in the earth's primitive atmosphere to be later incorporated into living organisms. (JR)

Outlines the proteinoid theory of the origin of life and examines competing or alternative concepts in the light of a sequential experimental model. (JR)

Presents a review of BIOLOGY: A SEARCH FOR ORDER IN COMPLEXITY, a textbook designed for high school students and produced under the sponsorship of the Creation Research Society. (PB)

Suggests that humans differ from other living organisms in the ability to exercise learned behavior and the individual will, which may allow people to make the changes in values necessary to survive on this planet. (DW)

Presented is an explanation of the position of the Iowa Department of Public Instruction on the teaching of creation and evolution in the public school classroom. Creationism is discussed as a religious concept. The nature of science as an investigatory process and a body of knowledge is also described. Evolution as a scientific theory is then…

This booklet describes how to make large two-dimensional models of dinosaur skeletons which can be effective teaching tools. Small laminated wood dinosaur models are enlarged, traced, and transferred to tri-wall cardboard (one-half inch thick) and cut out with a saber saw. Parts are then slotted and numbered for easy assembly. The result is a kit…

In 1964, Canyonlands was established as the 32nd U.S. national park, covering 400 square miles at the junction of the Green and Colorado Rivers in Utah. This booklet gives the early history of the area, a summary of the geologic history of the park, and a description of the high mesas, benchlands, and canyons. There are 81 illustrations including…

The Navajo origin myth is discussed by comparing recorded versions of the story of Changing Woman and the Twins. The myth clarifies the significance of many present-day tribal ceremonies and customs and provides a basis for the traditional upbringing of the Navajo child. The Navajo defines wrong as "that which produces disharmony within…

Performance objectives are stated for this secondary school unit prepared for the Dade County Florida Quinmester Program. The unit examines scientific method, biological classification, evolution, population ecology, and pays attention to problems of the human environment. The booklet lists related state-adopted textbooks, cites descriptions of…