Background information, laboratory procedures (including matings performed), and results are presented for an open-ended investigation using the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. Once data are collected, students develop hypotheses to explain results as well as devise additional experiments to test their hypotheses. Calculation of chi-square for…

Reports design of an interactive computer program (FORTRAN) in microbial genetics. The program is divided into three stages: background information, simulation, and data treatment. Results obtained from the simulation allow four genes to be sequenced along the bacterial chromosome. The simulation mimics experimental errors and production of…

"Take Two People" is a kit of model genes which can be made up in packs to represent people or gametes. The kit is simple to make and highly adaptable. It has been useful and effective in teaching genetics to students of low ability and little motivation. (Author/JN)

Explores the impact of Minnesota's Open Birth Record Law. Studied adoptees in search of information and contact with their birth parents. Caseworkers were relatively successful in the searches, but personal contacts were achieved for only 35 percent of the adoptees. Supports the value of the Open Birth Record law. (Author)

Summarizes the views of Ernst Mayr on the controversy over evolution which exists between physical scientists and biologists. Discusses the uniqueness of individuals, work by population geneticists and mathematical geneticists, complexity in nature, rates of change, modes of change, and the need to ask "why". (DC)

Reviews Arthur Jensen's "Bias in Mental Testing" in terms of its implications for racial genetic inferiority, and offers alternate explanations for racial differences in testing based on data from studies on Black socialization and cultural differences in child rearing. (CM)

The problems of introducing biological simulations into two Open University courses and the proposed solutions are discussed in relation to sound computer assisted learning practice. Eight references are included. (Author/CHC)

This reviewer finds that Lewis M. Terman's five-volume "Genetic Studies of Genius," published between 1925 and 1959, makes exaggerated claims for IQ scores as measures of natural ability. (Editor/SJL)

Discusses immunological methods used to demonstrate or verify relationships between species of animals. (HM)

Describes recent research by Edward Steele appearing to support the Lamarckian theory of inheritance. Steele suggests that a mutant somatic cell favored by the environment will undergo clonal expansion. Altered genetic materials from these cells is then picked up by C-type viruses and inserted into the germ line genome. (CS)

Examines the relationships between self-concept and achievement in students studying genetics. Also examined were differences in self-concept and achievement between men and women and between science majors and nonscience majors. (CS)

A survey of 39 recent college textbooks in mental retardation, special education, and abnormal psychology indicates that dated and oversimplified models of the etiology of Down's syndrome are being presented.

The value of genetic counseling for prospective parents with visual impairments is discussed. Work in genetic counseling is reviewed and the types of monitoring services available are explored. The development of genetics, and the kinds of genetic disorders, as well as the importance of genetic counseling, are described. (PHR)

Obtained objective measures of activity, fidgeting, vigilance, selective attention, and aggression for a sample of 87 twin pairs in late childhood. Little evidence for genetic influence on behavior was found. Between-family environmental sources of variance were far more important than within-family factors. (Author/RH)

Examines the status of human genetics education. Provides an updated report of the work being done at the BSCS Center for Education in Human and Medical Genetics. Includes reports of regional conferences and of West German educational programs. (MA)