Advocates removing the taboo regarding anthropomorphism and teleology in biology education. Argues that for high school students, accepting such formulations does not necessarily imply anthropomorphic or teleological reasoning. Further, living organisms seem goal-oriented because of their adaptation for survival. Concludes with the argument that…

Discusses the need to change the Montessori botany nomenclature cards to reflect the progress of the field over the past 55 years. Maintains that the materials used should reflect the goals of botany study for children. Provides a sample outline of lessons and nomenclature for the flowering plants. Discusses the need to use available reference…

Written by a biologist, this paper is intended to present information on the sociological study of man from a biological perspective. Perspectives include that (1) sociology neglects biological variables that are part of understanding human behavior and human societies; (2) the sociobiological or evolutionary view of human development is…

Dicusses some probable developments in the areas of biotechnologies and information technologies and their implications for ethical preparation, new pedagogical models, and other aspects of a value-oriented curriculum. (DMM)

Discusses the importance of having a biological point of view brought to bear on political issues, now and in the future. A definition of such a viewpoint is offered within the context of human variation, biology and social structure, and biology and humanism. (SA)

Some of the uses of mathematics in biomedicine are listed and the problems involved in interdisciplinary biomathematical research are discussed. (MP)

Physiology programs must continue to prepare graduate students for research postdoctoral positions. They should also prepare them for employment at smaller institutions that have higher teaching demands and that encourage-but do not require-research. Suggests changes in the way Ph.D. candidates are taught and in the way professors mentor students…

The advantages and justifications for using small animals in human-oriented research are reviewed. Some of the pitfalls of extrapolating animal-derived data to humans are discussed. Several specific problems with animal experimentation are highlighted. (CW)

Discusses the importance of student questions as tools of instruction and as indicators of student misconceptions. Suggests different ways in which students may gain an understanding of biological concepts through discussion of popular movies and biological problems. (CW)

To examine the dynamism and productive qualities of multicultural interaction, a chromosomal bivalency model was borrowed from the biological sciences. Dilemmas inherent in contact between cultures emerge from the sites of multicultural conflict. Understanding these dilemmas allows interactants to have insights into other cultures as well as into…

The creation/evolution controversy can be best thought of as a contest over control of a portion of educational policy. Scientists do not dispute the right of fundamentalist Christians to believe that Genesis is a history and a science textbook. The difficulty arises when fundamentalists seek to bring their sectarian religious faith into biology…

Considers the importance of the development of fundamental concepts in chemistry. Proposes an "anticipative" chemical education which would foster a more complete understanding of life sciences. Discusses widening the scope of chemistry and providing a better understanding of brain chemistry. (TW)

The history of the sciences in America in 1880 is described as a time of considerable vitality in the disciplines of earth and life sciences. The natural scientific resources of the American continent are credited as contributing to the vitality. Pluralism of institutional support is discussed with a historical perspective. (SA)

Discusses the collaboration of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) with faculty from eight community colleges to develop an innovative curriculum for use in a one-semester general education course in biology that would reflect the recommendations of the current reform movement in science education. Discusses important issues in helping…

Presented is a committee report which gives background information about the science of physiology and discusses the roles of academic physiology departments and the American Physiological Society. Recommendations for the future of the discipline in its various dimensions are provided. (CW)