An understanding of how genomics information, including information about risk for common, multifactorial disease, can be used to promote personal health (personalized medicine) is becoming increasingly important for the American public. We undertook a quantitative content analysis of commonly used high school textbooks to assess how frequently…

Two books are reviewed which discuss conservative critics of textbooks, especially critics of the presentation of evolution in biology textbooks. The article tells who these textbook watchers are and describes their aversions and preferences. (BB)

Glaring and basic textbook errors and misconceptions about photosynthesis are discussed. The Calvin Cycle, photosynthetic products, alternative cycles, and plants as producers are considered. Included are observations of both college and secondary textbooks. (CW)

Reports a review of 13 genetics textbooks published from 1975 to 1979. Six tables present summaries of the significant data about the books, specific topics covered in the texts, and the number of pages devoted to each of 15 general topics in each textbook evaluated. (CS)

Reprints a biology textbook review that the author asserts to be representative of a review for most biology textbooks. Critiques the role of biology textbooks in the biology curriculum. (MDH)

Compares a broad cross-section of high school biology laboratory manuals with respect to several standard features as well as the degree to which they engage students in scientific inquiry. Discusses comparisons with respect to topics contained in the manuals, types of activities, lab exercises, and features of activities. (JRH)

Analyzes high school biology textbooks with the aim of providing descriptive information and determining the emphasis on scientific literacy themes of body of knowledge, nature of science, inquiry, and Science-Technology-Society (STS) issues. Concludes that the textbooks focus mainly on the knowledge of science and divorce science content from the…

Discusses misconceptions and outdated models appearing in biology textbooks for concepts involving bioenergetics and chemical reactions; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the energy currency of cells; the myth of high energy phosphate bonds; structural properties of ATP; ATP production from respiration and fermentation; ATP as an energy storage…

Considers topics about cell function often misunderstood, misrepresented, or omitted from biology textbooks: enzyme catalyzed reactions; RNA as a catalyst; protein levels in cells; amino acids; organic acids; glucose and fructose; gluconeogenesis; fatty acids and ketone bodies; diffusion; and transport across membranes. (Contains 25 references.)…

A sample of 14 college and 8 high school biology textbooks were evaluated to determine whether they provided accurate and adequate descriptions and examples of scientific thinking. The authors contrast their views of the nature of scientific thinking with those of the textbook authors on the concepts of hypothesis, theory, law, and principle. (MDH)

Explains how students' perceptions of validity is affected by the terminology used by teachers and scientists. Analyzes the use of the terms: hypothesis, theory, law, and principle in biology textbooks. (Contains 22 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes how to use a readability graph to determine the reading level of Biology textbooks. (MA)

Presents task analysis of the laboratory inquiries of the BSCS Yellow Version. Three important deficiencies are identified: (1) Students do not identify and formulate problems; (2) Students get little chance to conduct investigations; and (3) Post-laboratory discussions are not indicated. (MA)