Discusses the approach of creationist groups to the distortion of science and the selective presentation of often-apocryphal evidence. Argues that the strategy is persuasive to those poorly educated in science, that people like to be persuaded that their views are right, and that they are intelligent people capable of figuring out science for…

Argues for altering the balance between research and teaching at the university level to improve science education for undergraduates. Recommends changing the tenure and promotion guidelines to recognize high-quality teaching, redefining good scholarship to include innovative teaching methods, introducing professional development programs to…

Describes an experiment to illustrate the effect of food source and added nutrients (N) on microbial activity in the soil. Supplies include air-dried soil, dried plant material, sources of carbon and nitrogen, a trap such as KOH, colored water, and a 500-mL Erlenmeyer flask. Includes a diagram of an incubation chamber to demonstrate microbial…

Presents both positive and negative aspects of using the Internet as a teaching tool. Offers suggestions for overcoming some of the negative aspects. Discusses ways to tailor searches to age level, proper equipment to improve student access, the need for careful planning and observation, and possibilities for instructor training in Internet use.…

Presents and discusses a video-enhanced decision case developed for use in a single learning session with little or no preparation beforehand. The content of the case is well suited to introducing and analyzing issues affecting the sustainability of farming operations. A lesson plan for using the case with extension audiences is described.…

Describes a program in which a rainfall simulator was used to promote water conservation by showing water infiltration, water runoff, and soil erosion. The demonstrations provided a good background for the discussion of issues such as water conservation, crop rotation, and conservation tillage practices. The program raised awareness of…

Assesses the effectiveness of using pop quizzes and rewards to improve student retention of the nitrogen cycle. Students able to diagram the N cycle on pop quizzes were rewarded with special cards that included the N cycle. These cards could then be used on subsequent tests in place of memory alone. Six of 11 students tested three months later…

Presents guidelines for undergraduate teaching. The key concept is P-P-P-E-P: preparation, presentation, people orientation, evaluation, and practice. Other observations include the uniqueness of every individual, teaching students to want to learn, and being very selective in choosing the content to be taught. (AIM)

Identifies 11 types of graduate student difficulties and suggests methods to help alleviate them. Difficulties include language barriers, cultural barriers, emotional barriers, lack of commitment, and lack of ability. Also describes certain personality traits that may impede achievement. (AIM)

Discusses a multimedia-based program designed to provide students with a self-paced study of woody plants using color images of twigs, leaves, bark, fruit, and flowers. The program uses Authorware, software that can be used on both Macintosh- and Windows-compatible platforms. This program is intended for use as a supplement to field-study…

The speed of light is a fundamental characteristic of the universe. So many processes are related to and dependent upon it that, if creationist claims were true, the universe would be far different from the way it is now. The speed of light has never been shown to vary based on the direction from which it was measured. (PVD)

A series of programs entitled Creationism and Evolution: The History of a Controversy was presented at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The controversy was addressed from an historical and sociological, rather than a scientific perspective. Speakers addressed the evolution of scientific creationism, ancient texts versus sedimentary rocks…

Presents a letter written in response to a videotape presented to a teacher by a student; the videotape denounced evolution on religious grounds. The letter explains some of the biases of the video to the class and the importance of learning about an issue before taking a stand against it. (PVD)

Considers questions related to the scientific community's understanding of evolution compared to that of science teachers and whether there is a difference between the way elementary and secondary teachers view evolution. (DDR)

Clarifies media reports that suggest that flood geology should be taught as part of the biology curriculum to provide support for the teaching of creationist theory. Analyzes the reports and provides support for response on the local level to these claims. (DDR)