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In most states, seventh-graders take a close look at cell biology, genetics, and evolution, among other topics. Textbooks describe the differences in animal and plant cells, the importance of the nucleus of cells, and how cells divide and mutate. Students also learn about the structure and function of living things, including tissues, organs, bones, muscles, and the organs involved in reproduction. Many textbooks also cover the real "birds and the bees," describing how flowering plants generate pollen, ovules, seeds, and fruit. Science teachers also introduce the study of DNA and tell students how genes are inherited. This often leads to a discussion of the evolution of species, which is handled differently state by state. Most school districts at least touch on both sides of the evolution debate; in some places, students sometimes spend more time on the idea of intelligent design than they do on Charles Darwin's theories of evolution and natural selection. Students also learn how and why species become extinct.
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Differences of Opinion. Evolution and sexual reproduction are two of the most controversial issues in debates about science education. Find out what position your grandchildren's schools take on these matters, and whether there have been local debates about it. In some communities, schools use specially-designed textbooks that introduce the idea of intelligent design alongside Darwin's theory of evolution. Similarly, some communities have mandated classroom discussion of contraception, while others have limited it.
• Find a first-hand account of how species evolve in Jonathan Weiner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning
The Beak of the Finch (Vintage, 1995). It’s the story of scientists Peter and Rosemary Grant’s research on a desert island in the Galapagos where Charles Darwin’s theories on survival of the fittest and natural selection are evident each day.
• How many cells are in the human body? What do they do? How do poisons harm cells? If you can’t answer these questions for your grandchildren,
this website can.
Floral Patterns. On a walk with your grandchildren, buy or pick a few different flowers. When you get home, cut each flower in half, analyze how they compare with each other, and challenge your grandchildren to name the interior parts of each flower.
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