We analyzed the practitioner literature on lab-based instruction in biology in "The American Biology Teacher" between 2007 and 2012. We investigated what laboratory learning looks like in biology classrooms, what topics are addressed, what instructional methods and activities are described, and what is being learned about student…

Examines the ideal ecology curriculum in terms of education rationale, goals, and content. Reviews available data sources with regard to environmental education. (KHR)

Summarizes the status of the evolution/creationism debate in contemporary society. Makes recommendations for scientists and science educators to advance the popular acceptance and understanding of evolution. Contains 74 references. (WRM)

Describes challenges to teaching evolution initiated by religious fundamentalist groups in the United States. Finds that the number of after-the-fact challenges to public school material, curricula, and instructional activities objected to because they included evolution or failed to include creation science from 1983-1996 is relatively small.…

Examines the history of the white lab coat in scientific and medical practice and discusses the recognition of it as a cultural symbol. Contains 11 references. (WRM)

Traces the history of legal rulings leading up to the Edwards vs. Aguillard decision by the Supreme Court that it is unconstitutional to mandate "balanced treatment" and "equal time" for teaching creationism along with evolution in school science classes. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

Describes the results of a study of the current level of evolution instruction in public schools in Louisiana. Finds a significant and positive correlation between emphasis placed on evolution instruction and teachers' knowledge-base. Also finds no pressure on biology teachers to regard evolutionary theory as a unifying theme in biology, and…

Although the film and play "Inherit the Wind" is sometimes thought to be an accurate depiction of the Scopes Trial, there are many major inaccuracies. Summarizes the major differences between what is portrayed in "Inherit the Wind" and what happened in Dayton, Tennessee in 1925 at John Scopes's trial. (WRM)

Describes the contributions of women who have served as role models in the fields of ecology and conservation. Women discussed include Ellen Richards, Maria Merian, Jane Colden, Mary Chase, Emma Braun, Ann Morgan, Rachel Carson, Eugenie Clark, Sylvia Earle, Wangari Maathai, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, and Ruth Patrick. Contains 26 references.…

Describes the background and outcome of the McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education case heard in federal court in the early 1980s. The decision repealed a legislative act which called for "equal time" in science classrooms for presenting evolution and creationism. The decision also established that "creation science" had no scientific merit or…

There are significant variances in both the religious and non-religious beliefs for rejecting evolution, and likewise diversity in the extent to which various creationists reject evolution. Describes the anti-evolution stances of literalists, progressives, and theists and addresses teaching concerns relative to anti-evolution positions. Contains…

Explores new research about bacteria. Discusses bacterial genomes, archaea, unusual environments, evolution, pathogens, bacterial movement, biofilms, bacteria in the body, and a bacterial obsession. Contains 29 references. (JRH)

Presents a discussion based on the premise that the entire educational system needs reassessment if there is to be an influx of women, particularly African-American women, in the quantitative sciences. Provides strategies focusing on science education that are based on a search of the literature and on the personal experience of a biology teacher.…

Discusses telomeres, complexes of DNA and protein that form the chromatin at the ends of chromosomes. Highlights telomeres as controllers of chromosome integrity, expendable telomeres, DNA replication requirements and their consequences, protection of structural genes, telomerase as indicators of immortality, cancer cells and other immortals, and…

Explores the meaning of DNA. Discusses histories of DNA, literature on DNA, the contributions of Max Delbruck and Barbara McClintock, life, views of control, current research, and the language of DNA. Contains 24 references. (JRH)