In North Carolina, reports are being generated and publicized about the science/mathematics teacher shortage. Findings are cited from several of these reports as examples of how concerned persons might initiate similar campaigns to generate the publicity and support that must precede change. Teacher shortage facts/myths and implications of same…

Six books written in response to creationist arguments are reviewed. Indicates that the books should be of great utility in educating students in the sciences and in presenting the case for science, as separate from religion, to the uncommitted public. (JN)

Describes a course which focuses student activities on the preparation of an environmental impact statement. The course provides undergraduate/graduate students with an intensive field ecology experience which exposes them to scientific principles of biology, environmental analysis, and quantitative sampling methods. Includes course format,…

Holds that as people get older they can employ certain techniques to offset some of the physiological limitations on their intellectual abilities. Provides tips for overcoming some sensory deficiencies, memory loss, motivational changes, mental fatigue, and changes in social environment of the old. (Author/AOS)

Paleoethology seeks to study behavior of ancient animals by building inferential cases of hypothesized behavior patterns. Discusses paleoethological methods and reasons for studying therapsids. Also discusses metabolic rate and possible existence/use of vomeronasal organ to gain insight into the behavior/physiology of these ancient herbivors. (JN)

Discusses the nature of animal communication, including possible relationships between the physical structure of vocalizations and their functions in communicating. Provides tables of mammalian and avian sounds (by species/family) used in hostile and friendly appeasing contexts. (JN)

The need for mathematical background in biology and chemistry instruction is described, with specific mathematical topics noted. The extent to which they are covered in mathematics classes is discussed, as is the usefulness of science in mathematics instruction. (MNS)

A herediscope is a device used to teach genetics while overcoming students' fears of the mathematical aspects of the subject. The herediscope can be constructed from cardboard or heavy paper by individual students. Qualitative inheritance, sex inheritance, random assortment, and population genetics are among the topics taught using the device. (JN)

National Science Teachers Association has cited 50 science education programs as national exemplars in the 1982 Search for Excellence in Science Education. Programs are listed under these headings: elementary science, biology, physical science, science/technology/society, and inquiry. (Author/JN)

Assesses student responses to and evaluates effectiveness of exercises designed to develop critical and analytical reasoning skills in the biological sciences. In answering exercises consisting of problems in a multiple-choice format, students are required to write out justifications for acceptance/rejection of each choice. Significant improvement…

Ability of five cognitive characteristics to predict students' (N=96) achievement of evolution and natural selection concepts was measured. Results, among others, indicate that disembedding ability, prior knowledge, and evolutionary belief were significantly related to achievement while developmental level and mental capacity were not. (JN)

A course on the evolvement of life was developed using a thematic, problem-oriented approach rather than the traditional, discipline-oriented approach. Course content, format, and evaluation are discussed. Textbooks and related materials used in the course are also discussed. (Author/JN)

Discusses the background and thinking of John Dewey, focusing on Dewey's ideas about science teaching, including inquiry, education involving progressive organization of knowledge by experience, and citizenship education. Indicates that today's science teaching is often inadequate and inappropriate, not focusing on inquiry and neglecting…

Organizing school wilderness and wildlife clubs is suggested as a way to work with students to save endangered species. Typical club activities and ways to start such clubs are discussed. (Author/JN)

Examined problem-solving strategies of 30 high school students as they solved genetics problems. Proposes a new sequence of teaching genetics based on results: meiosis, sex chromosomes, sex determination, sex-linked traits, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses (humans), codominance (humans), and Mendel's pea experiments. (JN)