The gradual decline of anthropocentrism from 50,000 BC to the present is traced in relation to the controversy over the teaching of evolution and creationism. The discussion focuses on the battle over people's minds as waged in the public schools by fundamentalist religious groups and others. (CW)

Campaigns to improve adolescent health must involve schools, focusing on middle grades. Currently, school organization is poor, with too little good curricular material for such students. The article describes Stanford University's interdisciplinary, core, middle grades curriculum in human biology that combats alienation from science by making it…

Papers on biological and medical science libraries which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "The International Programs of the National Library of Medicine" (Lois Ann Colaianni, United States); (2) "Information Needs for International Health. A CDC (Centers for Disease…

Political science and its subfields cannot ignore the work being done in two areas of the life sciences: sociobiology and neurobiology. Current theories of political socialization which suggest that society molds the child will be increasingly affected by sociobiological theory which posits that children operate as independent actors in the…

The need for society to bridge the gap between the public and the remoteness of elementary science knowledge is examined. Implications are given for the future of society without improved public education. (SA)

Presents a case study of the teaching practices of a biology teacher in Western Australia. Identifies practices considered exemplary for analysis by biology teachers and teacher educators. Discusses the methodology of the study and the qualities of exemplary teaching. (CW)

Surveys the use of information technology and related factors by researchers in the biological sciences in the United Kingdom. Information environments, background variables, communication activities, use of computers, and publishing activity are discussed; and results are compared with an earlier study of researchers in all sciences. (LRW)

Describes the attributes of a virtual reality system, including flexibility, presence, control and interaction, and feedback; and identifies learning situations in which these attributes would play a key role. Research on virtual reality and related technologies at SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute) is summarized. (nine…

Examination of controversial scientific issues provide an accurate picture of science. Examples, drawn from the physical and life sciences, show how complex and subtle scientific issues may be; how difficult it may be to perform and interpret experiments; and how science constitutes a vigorous, self-correcting mode of inquiry. (Contains 45…

Adventure educators have a role in bridging the gap between ecophilosophy (the philosophy of humanity's relationship with nature) and its application to everyday work. Summarizes three reasons for the philosophy-practitioner gap, suggests a framework for bridging the gap, and describes educational strategies by which adventure programming can…

A statement of concerns and needs in the relationship between universities and industry for biomedical research addresses the issues of research agreements and their terms, patent licensing, university and faculty roles, and establishment of policy and procedures. (MSE)

Discussed is the importance of marine education and experience with the seashore in helping children to adopt positive attitudes about nature. (CW)

Gives an account of a variety of approaches to science, technology and society courses in universities and colleges. Discusses courses which concentrate on a study of the history of biology. (CW)

Describes how a list of the great books of biology was developed. Discusses the insufficiency of textbooks and traditional classroom instruction. Advocates the uses of outside reading and libraries. Focuses on books designed to be read, not studied for information and enjoyment. (CW)

Paul Hurd, Professor Emeritus of Stanford University, addresses the subject of improving the quality of life in the future by developing a more humanistic approach in biology teaching. (SA)