The assumption that a singular biological resource pool embedded in the central nervous system results in differences in macrolevel outcomes because of the constraints it imposes on efficiencies of microlevel processing is refuted. Moderating effects on the causal pathways between microlevel and macrolevel performance are discussed. (SLD)

Discussed is the relationship of concept-mapping by students to the meaningful learning of genetics and ecological concepts. The implications of these results for teacher education in biology are addressed. (KR)

Describes a simulation exercise designed to illustrate the influence of founder effects, genetic drift, and gene flow. Also presents strategies for using cooperative learning in large lecture settings. (WRM)

Discusses current biological research related to plants, including rootless plants, cellulose synthesis, plant identification in forensic science, and plant chemistry. Contains 19 references. (WRM)

Outlines what developmentalists can do with genes associated with behavioral dimensions and disorders once they are found. Suggests that genes can be used to answer questions about developmental continuities, psychopathological patterns such as heterogeneity and comoribidty, and environmental-risk mechanisms informed by studies of gene/environment…

Developed a system for assessing students' reasoning proficiency in introductory genetics in the computer-supported environment GenScope (tm). Studied whether the assessment system helped students develop the understanding it was designed to assess. Results from 11 high school classes showing strong evidential validity and limited consequential…

A questionnaire was sent to counselors (N=32) to categorize the key points given in genetic counseling; to assess the amount and type of information recalled; and to examine the relationships between counselees' knowledge, satisfaction with information received, the meeting of expectations, concern, and anxiety. Results emphasize the importance of…

Introduces an activity on arthropod genetics that involves phenotype and genotype identification of the creature and the construction process. Includes a list of required materials and directions to build a model arthropod. (YDS)

Argues that Herrnstein and Murray's "The Bell Curve" (1994) merely restates the notion that intelligence can be reduced to a single ordinal measure, i.e., the primary factor for determining group or individual social-class status. Evidence from the biological sciences and quantitative genetics is presented that reveals that social…

Explains how to transfer a relevant written article into a learning activity involving active role play. Enables the development of critical thinking skills and helps to humanize science by highlighting its importance in everyday life. (DDR)

This article presents the "Piirto Pyramid" framework for identification of talent potential. It explains how the pyramid identifies influences that are significant in the development of talents, including genetics, personality attributes, cognitive ability, talent, vocational, and environmental. Examples using Roy Rogers and Michelangelo are…

Explains how students can perform an alternative authentic DNA fingerprinting analysis. Presents restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and can serve as a simulated molecular epidemiology laboratory or as a simulated forensic laboratory exercise. (DDR)

Describes a science activity on polyploidy targeting middle and high school students which can be used to discuss topics such as chromosomes, cells, plant growth, and functions of stomates. Integrates mathematics in data collection. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Responds to J. McCroskey and M. Beatty's article in this issue. Argues that debates over relative importance of nature versus nurture are misguided because the relative influence of genetic and environmental components varies depending on specific genes and environments under consideration and their specific interactions. Explores what these…

Replies to C. M. Condit's response to the authors' article on communibiology in the same issue of this journal, arguing that some of her challenges to communibiology are seriously flawed. (SR)