Adaptation is one of the central concepts in evolutionary theory, which nonetheless has been given different definitions. Some scholars support a historical definition of adaptation, considering it as a trait that is the outcome of natural selection, whereas others support an ahistorical definition, considering it as a trait that contributes to…

Background: In order to design appropriate environments for performance and learning of movement skills, physical educators need a sound theoretical model of the learner and of processes of learning. In physical education, this type of modelling informs the organisation of learning environments and effective and efficient use of practice time. An…

Biological differences between the sexes in motor, sensory, and some intellectual abilities are reviewed. The skills that lead to early success in school draw on female talents; as a result, boys are often labeled hyperactive. Journal availability: Human Nature, Inc., Subscriptions Department, P.O. Box 10702, Des Moines, Iowa 50340; single copy…

One of 16 booklets designed for use in an Open University course on the education of handicapped students in the United Kingdom, this document considers biological factors involved in handicapping conditions. An initial chapter examines the portrayal of disabled persons in drama, literature and film. Genetic involvement (autosomal dominant…

Reviews the established effects of light on the human organism and concludes that sunlight simulating environmental lighting in schools will result in greater student and teacher comfort, health, and increased performance and/or working capacity. (Author/MLF)

The article reports research supporting a view which sees learning disabilities as resulting from the interplay between a poorly elaborated knowledge base (especially in language related domains), the biologically determined efficiencies of such processes as encoding, and the physical and social meaning attached to performance (i.e. the context).…

In response to Coles (EC 220 146), the article examines evidence of the roles of intrinsic biological characteristics and the environment in learning disability and suggests that learning disability is a biological susceptibility manifested in an environment promoting its expression. (DB)

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…

Lists eight entries in the ERIC database that concern Christopher Columbus and the effects of his voyages on world history. Includes works on curriculum development, biological effects of the contact, and a bibliography of books for children. Explains how to find and obtain the materials. (DK)

Reviews the arguments supporting and opposing the idea that human intelligence can be improved. Research on the hereditary and environmental determinants of intelligence is examined. Problems in defining and measuring intelligence are discussed. (AM)

Biology textbooks usually give examples of organisms that have become ideally adapted to their habitat as a result of evolution. This article illustrates some poorly adapted organisms. Imperfections serve to demonstrate the purely chance nature of evolution since either the beneficial changes have not happened or the modifications that have…

New brain research shows that music improves our brain development and even enhances skills in other subjects such as reading and math. Music enhances creativity and promotes social development, personality adjustment, and self-worth. Music making provides the most extensive exercise for brain cells and their synaptic interconnections. (12…

A study assessed genetic and environmental etiologies of reading, rapid naming (RN), and their covariation using data from 587 twin pairs (ages 7-20) in which one student had reading difficulties and from 360 control pairs. Correlation between reading and RN performances for subjects was significantly higher than that of controls. (Contains…

This brief paper addresses the referral of students for psychoeducational evaluation of problems with attention control and overactivity, and provides a checklist to assist teachers in the determination of possible hypotheses to consider prior to formal referral. The paper and checklist emphasize the variety of possible causes of attentional and…