Science educators often teach topics that are largely resolved in the scientific community yet remain controversial in broader society. In such cases, students may perceive the teacher as biased. We present two exercises that foster more objective learning about the scientific underpinnings of socially controversial topics. The first exercise…

The whole world was united in its condemnation of the pre-1994 apartheid regime in South Africa. Apartheid meant that many South Africans were robbed of their democratic voices and cultural identities. In this article, the authors pose the question: Are you guilty of "knowledge apartheid" in your biology classroom? Does every student have a voice…

Examines the procedural and philosophical perspectives taken by science in examining human characteristics. Discusses the different levels of accuracy of various scientific fields. Encourages discussion of what biological and behavioral sciences can and cannot reveal about complex human nature. Considers some characteristics of quality science…

Defines the changes in the nature of biology during the past 50 years and relates biology to science education. Argues that biology curriculum should focus on human beings and the realities of life and living. (YDS)

Recounts events leading to the existence of an organization for biology teachers. Cites data on the status of biology teaching in the United States. States that the association has been concerned with accuracy of course content, facilities, curriculum, instruction, and teacher preparation. (RT)

Presents the viewpoints of scientists and philosophers who have contemplated the issue of what science is all about. Indicates that there is a dual nature of science consisting of both public and private aspects. (RT)

The first of a three-part article in which the author discusses some past events which provide insight into why the theory of evolution gradually displaced the doctrine of special creation. (PEB)

Discusses the problem of fewer women participating in science, mathematics, and engineering. Provides guidelines for teachers to use as an effort to change this gender-biased pattern of participation. Includes information on selecting teaching strategies, criteria for equitable science activities, relevancy of learning and skills, careers, and…

Inquiry learning is student-based exploration of an authentic problem using the processes and tools of the discipline. Often inquiry learning is presented in a fashion that mirrors the scientific method, proceeding from identification of a problem to reporting of findings. In post-secondary settings, these scientific-method inquiry exercises…

Reports on students' attitudes toward reading science during an experimental study that investigated ways to increase comprehension of technical material. Describes the procedure, results, conclusions, applications, and implication. (RT)

The first part of a two-part article deals with U.S. science as viewed from Indochina in contrast to the nature of science as seen by American scientists. (JR)

Authors assert that biology teaching should be treated more as a science based on questions, possible explanations, and tests for determining the validity of explanations that are formulated. Provides a list of criteria for exemplary teaching and contrasts them with traditional science teaching. Presents information on Science/Technology/Society…

Provides some background information on the contributions of Louis Agassiz and Asa Gray to the history of American science as these two men disagreed concerning the ideas in Darwin's "The Orgin of Species." (PB)

Presents practical advice for would be writers. Do I want to write for magazines? Shall I write a textbook? What is a publishing contract? The author addresses these and other questions. (BB)

The second part of a two-part article contains an attempt to synthesize the viewpoints of United States science as seen (1) from Indochina (2) by American scientists and (3) from the vantage point of history. (JR)