Evolutionary Science and Society: Educating a New
Generation, edited by Joel Cracraft and Rodger Bybee (2005,
202 pp.): Based on the symposium that AIBS and the
Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (http://www.bscs.org/)
held at the 2004 annual convention of the National
Association of Biology Teachers (http://www.nabt.org/),
this book presents the proceedings of the two-day symposium,
which featured 17 lectures by research scientists in
evolutionary biology and five panel sessions of educators
who teach evolution at the secondary and post-secondary
level in schools as well as to the general public in science
centers. For a list of contributors, see
http://www.aibs.org/bookstore/evolutionary_science_and_society.html.
Contents:
Part 1: Introduction to Evolutionary Thinking
Education Panel 1: Teaching the Scientific and Philosophical
Foundations of Evolution
Part 2: The Tree of Life
Education Panel 2: Teaching the Tree of Life
Part 3: How Evolution Works
Education Panel 3: Teaching the Mechanisms of Evolution
Part 4: Evolutionary Science: Advancing Public Health
Education Panel 4: Teaching Evolution’s Importance for
Public Health
Part 5: Evolutionary Science: Advancing Societal Well-Being
Education Panel 5: Teaching Evolution’s Importance for
Society
Evolution -- Why Bother? (2005, 27 Minutes): The Biological
Sciences Curriculum Study, AIBS, and Why Bother Films have
produced a 27-minute video of broadcast quality, DVD and VHS
format, that is an excellent, non-technical exploration of
evolution and natural selection in our daily lives. Endorsed
for classroom use by the National Association of Biology
Teachers, Evolution -- Why Bother? consists of eight
self-contained chapters optimized for both individual
viewing and classroom use. Intriguing photography, special
effects, and upbeat pacing will captivate viewers. Prominent
biologists and science educators--including Patty Harmon,
David Mindell, Carl Bergstrom, Paul Gepts, Lynn Caporale,
Kenneth Miller, Jerry Waldvogel, and Joel Cracraft--explain
how an understanding of evolution is being used today to
guide our search for new medicines, help solve crimes,
develop vaccines, combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, deal
with invasive species, grow our food, provide a rational
basis for managing resources, protect endangered species,
and identify emerging diseases. This program explores the
practical reasons why evolution is important in our daily
lives - why we should bother with evolution.
For information about these and other AIBS education
initiatives, contact Susan Musante, Education and Outreach
Program Manager, at
smusante@aibs.org.