Sketches the teleological perspective dominating pedagogy and points out its weaknesses. Explains and applies the natural point of view, common in evolutionary theory, to pedagogy. Outlines and tests basic conceptual differentiations. Describes the often misunderstood concepts of chance, selection and adaptation. (CAJ)

Designates four challenges for a theory of evolutionary pedagogics which result from the theoretical progress made in biological science: (1) subjectively perceived autonomy; (2) teachability; (3) preparation for future life; and (4) the reality norm dilemma. Argues that these confrontations are the theoretical challenges for the further…

Explains the relationship between evolution, creationism, and racism and how evolution can be used to trigger racism. Describes anti-evolutionist movements throughout history. (YDS)

Advocates discussing human biological variation and race in science curricula. Explains how biologists use the term "race" and what that implies. (YDS)

Describes methods used by scientists to investigate the past. Explains the scientific model existing in textbooks and methods for studying evolutionary history. (Contains 30 references.) (YDS)

Presents an innovative, inquiry-oriented lesson plan for using biotechnology to teach evolution. Using acrylamide gel electrophoresis, students learn how to isolate and compare different proteins from the muscle tissue of readily available seafood specimens to determine phylogenetic relationships. Uses a 5E (engagement, exploration, explanation,…

Presents an activity in which students seek answers to questions about evolutionary relationships by using genetic databases and bioinformatics software. Students build genetic distance matrices and phylogenetic trees based on molecular sequence data using web-based resources. Provides a flowchart of steps involved in accessing, retrieving, and…

Finds several difficulties with the theory advanced by R. Howard and shows that alternative explanations relating to changes in the chess environment, including increased access to chess knowledge, offer better explanations for the increased presence of young players at top-level chess. (SLD)

Presents the results of an extensive quantitative content analysis of Gould's 22 books, 101 book reviews, 479 scientific papers, and 300 Natural History essays, in terms of subject matter, and thematic dichotomies. Emphasizes the interaction between the subjects and themata, how Gould has used the history of science to reinforce his evolutionary…

Presents a diagnostic test to assess students' understanding of natural selection. Field-tests the Conceptual Inventory of Natural Selection (CINS) with nonmajors and biology majors at community colleges. Compares test scores of nonmajors with performances in interviews and discusses the correlation between the test scores and the interview…

When students think of evolution, they often think of those genetic changes that occur to make organisms different. This article describes how students can become better informed of convergent evolution, the process by which organisms with dissimilar ancestors come to resemble each other. (ZWH)

Discusses major leaps in knowledge about the production of flowers that have come from studying genes that regulate the flowers of mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). Examines the ABC model of flower morphogenesis, commonality of genes, evolution of angiosperms, and agricultural and horticultural potential. (LZ)

Contains a summary of the latest research findings related to the topics of eye development, mimicry, evolution of llamas, hybridization between Arctic wolves and huskies, ultraviolet light and algae, acid rock, orchids and funerals, enzymes that can withstand heat, fungus-killing compounds, chaos theory and the treatment of epileptics, sleep and…

This paper discusses historical events responsible for public awareness of the theory of evolution. Particular attention is placed on the discovery of a coelacanth (a type of fish), since it may have the greatest significance in convincing the public of the reality of evolution. Discusses implications for the teaching of evolution. (LZ)

Osmotic aspects of aqueous solutions that are usually disregarded in biochemistry textbooks are presented. This article discusses the osmolarity of seawater, evolution of organisms over geological time, ionic adaptation of cells, ionic concentrations in bacteria, osmolytes and blood electrolytes in water-stressed organisms and land vertebrates,…