This is another recent module developed by Biozone, which nicely complements the Human Evolution, and Genes & Inheritance modules reviewed in previous issues of ABT. Topics included are:
Patterns of Evolution
In addition to a Power Point® slide show which can be modified to a particular instructor's needs, the module offers a wide range of activities aimed at providing a different approach to the teaching of evolution at the secondary school level. The activities are well-thought and certainly provocative in the sense that students are probed to examine evolution from a perspective not typically covered by major textbook companies.
The Origin and Evolution of Life section includes seventeen sub-sections beginning with life in the universe and expands its thesis to the origin of life on earth, including the origin of eukaryotic cells (including endosymbiosis), DNA hybridization evidence, comparative anatomy, and ends with continental drift and evolution, to name a few.
Mechanisms of Evolution includes 28 sub-sections including genes and evolution, Darwin's theory, population genetics, genetic drift, speciation, and stages in species development. Two notable subsections are "Selection for Human Birth Weight" and "Analysis of a Squirrel Gene Pool". What makes these two sub-sections noteworthy is the fresh approach they bring to the understanding of evolutionary mechanisms; most biology textbooks tend to present such mechanisms in a dry format thus making the topic less convincing to our students.
The last section, Patterns of Evolution, covers convergent evolution, co-evolution, adaptive radiation, causes of mass extinctions, and other topics pertinent to New Zealand species. Once again, the topics are presented in an engaging format and the activities provide a wide range of opportunities for enquiry. Answers to all questions for the three sections are provided to the teachers on a separate CD*(3).
This module is appropriate for advanced secondary school biology courses such as AP®, IB®, or a stand-alone course in evolution. Also, it can be used at the undergraduate level for non-majors. All the activities provide a wide range of skills and students should have a great command of the subject by the end of the module. Hopefully, students will complete all activities realizing that the teaching and learning of evolution is a cornerstone in biology and ongoing controversies surrounding the teaching of evolution are best kept outside the biology classroom. Regardless of the implications, Biozone has provided a phenomenal tool for teaching evolution that surpasses most (if not all) attempts by other companies to bring evolution to our classrooms in the twenty-first century.
José Vázquez
Incorrectly stated in review
*(1) Evolution - should be Human Evolution
*(2) $199.95 should be $299.95
*(3) Answer CD applies to Modular workbook
