Relates activities implemented in a high school genetics course that enable students to experience "science in the making" (Latour, 1987). Students work in research groups, build explanatory models of observed natural phenomena, present models at class conferences, revise models based on peer feedback or new observational information, and win…

Reports on the development of a laboratory exercise that would allow students to explore the concept of genetic drift. Discusses the concept of genetic drift that is coincident with natural selection and that closely models the real world. (DDR)

Describes some of the ways conformity in science is rewarded and defiance punished with reference to the work of Arthur Jensen. Notes that some of his work makes outstanding contributions to the science of intelligence, while other work is considered regressive. (SLD)

Describes Arthur Jensen's contributions to the study of general intelligence ("g"). His research has led to studies of genetic intelligence and speed of cognitive processing and the study of biological correlates of "g." (SLD)

Reviews the work of Arthur Jensen, noting his extensive bibliography and characterizing his work as an extension of the British Biological-Theoretical Tradition. Proposes a new definition of "Jensenism" based on the Jansenist heresy. (SLD)

Describes public controversy over Jensen's work on genetic differences in intelligence as an example of sociopolitical consequences that can accompany the dispersion in "g" (general factor of intelligence) in a society. (Author/SLD)

Presents a teaching activity that uses photographs and diagrams to simulate two microscopic laboratory techniques used to observe the structure of chromosomes. Techniques include observation of squashed onion root tips and the salivary glands of some fruitfly larvae. (WRM)

Provides a protocol for counseling families with an autistic member concerning the risk of having an autistic child. Reports data regarding empirical recurrence risks and identifies the key elements that influence recurrence risks for individual couples. Counseling expertise in both diagnosis and treatment of autism and in the genetics of complex…

Biological determinism represents a pseudo-scientific inquiry that is ultimately used to foster a scientific rationale for the maintenance of classism, racism, and sexism in general. Genetic diversity is an inescapable fact, but it is cultures that human brains have created that most severely limit potential. (SLD)

Provides an exercise designed to give students an appreciation for the genetic basis of behavior. Employs the phenomenon of glucose aversion as an example of evolution by mutation and accelerated natural selection, thereby revealing one of the ways in which organisms adapt to human interference. (DDR)

A study involving 27 families examined the relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and the risk to first-degree relatives. The 13 children with SLI and AD/HD had a significantly higher chance of having first-degree relatives with speech/language disorder than the 14…

The social development of a female rhesus monkey was followed from birth until death, age 32 months. The monkey had an extra autosome and was hydrocephalic. The monkey showed serious motor deficiencies, delayed social development, poorly established dominance relationships, and heavy dependence on mother and kin. The monkey was, however, well…

Excerpts writings of past African American intellectuals on the issue of presumptions of innate black mental inferiority, and applies their analyses to the scientific racism found in "The Bell Curve" (Herrnstein and Murray, 1994). Ideas for incorporating this critical tradition into current efforts, to prevent the resurgence of white…

Suggests that the heterogeneity of human personality characteristics increases with age. Examines reasons for this phenomenon in terms of individual differentiation, social structure/allocation, and behavioral genetics. Develops a model synthesizing various study designs that prevent variation and covariation errors from occurring in life course…

Presents a soybean project designed with an interdisciplinary approach that includes the stages of planting soybeans, studying the impact of rhizobium bacteria on soybean root development, synthesizing the raw oil to methyl ester, testing of biodiesel on a hybrid electric car, and studying the commodities market. Integrates plant science,…