The hazards associated with recombinant DNA research are presented along with some social implications and the development of recombinant DNA research guidelines by the National Institutes of Health. (SA)

Suggests that teachers use assessment in two equally important ways: (1) to periodically evaluate students' cumulative knowledge and understanding, a process known as summative assessment; and (2) to continually evaluate students' progress in learning, known as formative assessment. (DDR)

Explores the new racism of the intelligence quotient as represented by "The Bell Curve" by R. Herrnstein and C. Murray (1994). Educators must confront the factors that divide Americans to contribute to a multicultural society in which diversity unites rather than divides. (SLD)

R. Herrnstein and C. Murray, in "The Bell Curve," stated six propositions concerning a "g" factor of intelligence. These propositions are found to be reasonably well supported in the scientific literature. These conclusions can be reached whether or not one accepts Herrnstein and Murray's claims about the social significance of…

Points out the importance of socioscientific aspects of laboratory activities for the development of understanding of different cultures' contributions to science. Describes a lesson on gene splicing using the 5E Learning Model. (YDS)

Discusses the role of techniques of DNA analysis in assessing the genetic relationships between various species. Focuses on wolf-dog evolution using DNA evidence and historical data about human/wolf-dog relationships. (DDR)

This study compared the receptive language of adolescents and young adults with either Down syndrome (n=25), fragile X syndrome (n=19), or mental age matched typically developing children (n=24). Individuals with the syndromes differed in relative achievements across the domains of receptive vocabulary, receptive syntax, nonverbal cognition, and…

Compares two delivery methods for a course in genetics and evolution: (1) studio teaching involving teamwork by students, hands-on exercises, and minimal lecturing; and (2) an interactive lecture demonstration method. Uses pre- and post-testing of basic concepts to evaluate the effectiveness of each method. Suggests that studio techniques are a…

A twin study involving 808 children with reading disability (RD) and 455 children with phonological disorder (PD) found each were heritable on their own. Further, even when correcting for RD, the two disorders were found to be co-heritable, indicating co-familiarity is at least partially driven by genetic influences. (Contains references.)…

Describes a research and development project aiming to help develop secondary students' abilities to understand biotechnology/genetic engineering. Focuses on an exemplary true-to-life experiment, planned and executed by students in grade 8, that involves external experts and uses an industrial research laboratory for solving genuine questions.…

Discussed is the Human Genome Project which aims to decipher the totality of the human genetic information. The historical background, the objectives, international cooperation, ethical discussion, and the role of UNESCO are included. (KR)

Presented are suggestions for using human pedigrees in the classroom and a generic pedigree that can be modified and used by instructors to provide variants for analysis. Eight single-gene mechanisms of inheritance are defined for use in this activity. (CW)

Presented are two cases of simple geometrical calculations involving the large numbers of atoms that are encountered in two ordinary situations. Included are questions about the spatial implications of the genome and a mole of hydrogen. (CW)

Two representations useful in teaching transmission genetics are described. Details of the representations and problem solving using these instructional aids are discussed. The importance of developing representations which help remedy specific difficulties that students commonly encounter is stressed. (CW)

Considers six key concepts in human genetics in a question-and-answer format designed to help guide students to an understanding of the concept. Lists eight workshops in human genetics for high school biology teachers and four curriculum material packages on human genetics. (CW)