This research compared the outcomes of teaching middle school students two different methods of classification and phylogeny. Two classes were randomly selected and taught using traditional methods of instruction. Three classes were taught using the "Pseudozoid" approach, where students learned to classify, develop and read dichotomous keys, and…

This article describes how new communication technologies and channels of communication are impacting historically basic channels of communication. This impact is described as being an incremental and evolutionary process rather than a blunt transition. A main theme stressed is that historically basic channels of communication, strongly grounded…

The background to Charles Darwin's little-known visit to Australia, and the account of his experiences while here, provide some invaluable historical material for teaching evolution, geology, meteorology, and the determination of longitude. Indeed, by using his Australian experiences as a foundation, it is possible to explain the theory of…

The guide presents lesson plans from "NOVA" which targets middle school and junior high school students and meet the National Science Education Standards. Lessons include: (1) "Neanderthals on Trial"; (2) "Fireworks"; (3) "Secrets, Lies and Atomic Spies"; (4) "Bioterror"; (5) "The Missing…

The world is dominated by the technological applications of scientific ideas and by the naturalistic empirical way of thinking characteristic of science. Also in this world, many people rightfully place great importance on their faith in a supernatural being and their membership in a church. The U.S. is a highly pluralistic society represented by…

By providing religious grounding in favor of modern science and creating effective strategies for dealing with common creationism arguments, this book is a must-read for administrators and teachers alike. This important resource provides readers with an understanding of the nature of science and the relationship between science and religion. This…

This paper presents the results of a research project based on the Understandings of Consequence Project. This study motivated students to engage in inquiry in science classrooms. The complexity of the models is divided into four categories--underlying causality, relational causality, probabilistic causality, and emergent causality--and provides…

Recent education reform documents emphasize the need for students to develop a rich understanding of evolution's power to integrate knowledge of the natural world. This paper describes a nine-week high school course designed to help students understand evolutionary biology by engaging them in developing, elaborating, and using Charles Darwin's…

This report discusses evolution in science education, evaluating the state-by-state treatment of evolution in science standards. It explains the role of evolution as an organizing principle for all the historical sciences. Seven sections include: "Introduction" (the key role of evolution in the sciences); "How Do Good Standards Treat Biological…

Presents a summary of the Reports of the Panels'' published by the Astronomy Survey Committee of the National Academy of Sciences in 1973, involving aspects of cosmology, quasars, exploding galaxies, stars, stellar evolution, solar system, organic molecules, life, and interstellar communication. Included are recommendations for scientific…

Discusses the origin of life on the basis of information about cosmic evolution, stellar alchemy, atmospheric histories, and rise and fall of civilizations. Indicates that man's contact with other civilizations in our galaxy may be made possible through studies of interstellar communication. (CC)

The present conflict between creationists and evolutionists may appear to be focused on demanding equal time in school curriculum, but an attack may be made in the future on the scientific method itself. Stronger arguments should be made against creationists' viewpoint to uphold the rationale of scientific scrutiny before accepting a belief as…

Theory of evolution is not fact but is a scientific theory based on numerous pieces of concrete evidence. The only way to disprove this theory is to show evidence against it. The creationist view cannot be accepted in the light of new knowledge in molecular biology and other fields. (PS)

Suggests that the survival of the species known as man depends on a radical revolution in his fundamental character, a revolution in his concept of himself and of his place in life. (Author)

Describes a computer-generated natural selection game which deals with various factors influencing survival and speciation processes. Variation of population size, growth rate, brood size, and selection pressure are permitted by the program, which is written in ASA Basic FORTRAN IV. (PR)