Discusses five-kingdom classification and the changes in understanding over the years. First published in 1983. (YDS)

Examines the history of biology in the United States by considering: (1) general trends about the nature of American biology; (2) sources of information; (3) biographies; (4) biological institutions; and (5) disciplinary studies. Indicates that the field is dominated by internalists who focus on particular persons and topics. (JN)

Darwin's weak influence on developmental psychology is traced. It is explained by (1) developmentalists' commitment to an ideology of meliorism; (2) conceptual issues relating to ontogeny and phylogeny; and (3) methodological problems. Suggests that developmentalists use evolutionary theory as a heuristic for structuring new research. (BC)

Several implications for the understanding of the Darwinian revolution follow from an analysis of the role of colloquial language and prudential reason in Charles Darwin's quest for a theory of evolution. First, the term "natural selection" is not merely or even primarily a technical term and thus cannot be understood accurately apart…

Presents a chronology of scientific efforts designed to determine the age of the earth. Summarizes scientists' attempts at dating the planet's formation, including the examination of lead in the environment, the calculation of the earth's cooling temperature and time, the study of geological sedimentation and the analysis of moon rocks. (TW)

Points out the important role of scientists in society as educators. Explains problems caused by not understanding the theory of evolution and discusses possible solutions. First published in 1966. (YDS)

Describes the approaches of both creationism and evolution. Recommends that biologists take their case to the public. Includes a National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Position Statement on the issue. First published in 1981. (YDS)

Reviews the main stages of the evolution of biology teaching in Africa. Discusses the UNESCO pilot project, the teaching aids produced for English- and French-speaking countries of Africa, and the "Teacher's Guide on the Biology of Human Populations" and projects needs for further assistance. (CS)

This bibliographic survey contains a review of the history of science education in secondary schools in England and Wales during the twentieth century. Included are discussions of elementary school curriculum, nature study movement, biology, general science movement, scientific education for girls, teaching methods, examinations, textbooks,…

Summarizes a debate over biology education that took place during a symposium sponsored by the School Science and Mathematics editors in 1908. The six published symposium contributions were meant to address such questions as whether zoology, botany, and human physiology should be studied in one biology course, and what the general purposes for…

Questions whether more student-centered instruction is occurring in block scheduled biology classes than in traditional classrooms. Explains the results of the study in terms of academic achievement. First published in 1998. (YDS)

Explains the cultural evolution and the impossible interchangeability among United States and Japanese schools. Advocates the need for incremental changes, improving employment conditions, and effective curriculum change to meet youths' developmental needs. First published in 1991. (YDS)

In 19th century America the textbook for reading, or "reader," was predominant as the learning tool for young children. Science selections in these readers introduced students to their first formal science instruction. This paper presents an analysis of the science used in 19th century popular readers. Through a synthesis of expert…