As a biology teacher who is a passionate proponent of teaching evolution as the backbone of my classes, I constantly get bombarded by students with tons of evolution questions. I do a lot of work correcting their misconceptions and clarifying some of the more nuanced aspects of evolutionary theory. YES, evolution IS a theory and here’s why that is a GOOD thing. Perhaps my favorite … Continue reading Talking Evolution: Are We Still Evolving?
SCIENCE The tiny arms of a Tyrannosaurus rex may have been strong enough to slash prey at close quarters. (National Geographic) What else are we learning about T. rex anatomy? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The Nat Geo article says the general consensus is that Tyrannosaurus rex’s arms were a vestigial feature. What is … Continue reading T. Rex’s Tiny Arms May Have Been Vicious Weapons
SCIENCE New research shows how the width of our nasal passages is literally shaped by the air we breathe. (Smithsonian) Geography can shape cultural characteristics, too. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas New research has found some links between the shape of our noses and our geographic ancestry. What … Continue reading Nature’s Nose Job
SCIENCE New research suggests T. rex teeth were probably not protruding fangs, but kept hidden by thin, scaly lips. (Guardian) How did tyrannosaurs use those teeth? Use our archived activity to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research suggests Tyrannosaurus rex did not have fangs. What are fangs? Fangs are simply long, … Continue reading Pucker Up!
SCIENCE The uncanny mechanisms that monarch butterflies use to navigate thousands of kilometers has long baffled scientists. A new study suggests how they determine which way to go. (Christian Science Monitor) Read our profile of the “lepidopterist neurobiologist” who helped author the new study. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to the fascinating new … Continue reading Scientists Crack Mystery of Monarch Navigation
