SPEEC (Scientists Promoting Evolution Education in Cincinnati)
Bruce Jayne, Ph.D., Professor
Group coordinator, Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0006
The rationale for our group is simple. When you need help or information in a specialized area, then you should be able contact someone who is an expert in that area. For example, people can go to a dentist for a toothache or to a mechanic when something is wrong with their car. Thus, why not communicate with scientists specializing in evolution when questions arise on this topic?
The three-fold purpose of our group is to:
- visit local K-12 classes to provide engaging experiences and instruction in natural sciences including biological evolution
- provide assistance and workshops for local K-12 teachers who would like to strengthen their background in evolution. (Instruction on evolution and teaching evolution can range from informal one-on-one sessions, to workshops held for groups of teachers either at their school or here at UC. We are willing to structure workshops so they can count towards teachers' requirements for professional advancement/continuing education.)
- serve as spokespeople for the local media in order to promote and explain a scientific way of thinking, especially when it involves evolution.
| Contact Information | Research Interests & SPEEC activities | |
|---|---|---|
Buchholz, Daniel R., Ph.D. |
Role of hormones in development and evolution, frog metamorphosis, comparative endocrinology SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers | |
| Buschbeck, Elke K., Ph.D. Associate Professor Biological Sciences 800Q Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9747 elke.buschbeck@uc.edu |
Evolution of the insect visual and other sensory systems: Neuroethology, insect neurobiology, anatomy, physiology, optics, behavior, invertebrate systematics and evolution SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers |
|
| Jayne, Bruce C., Ph.D. Professor Biological Sciences 851T Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-7012 jaynebc@email.uc.edu |
Functional morphology; evolution of behavior, structure and function; neuromuscular basis of the locomotion of ectothermic vertebrates; herpetology; natural history and ecology of reptiles SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson Sample class visit: "Snakes: an evolutionary oddity" |
|
| Lentz, David L., Ph.D. Executive Director Center for Field Studies 731B Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9733 david.lentz@uc.edu |
Historical ecology, field botany, plant domestication, population genetics and paleoethnobotany of North America, Central Asia and the Neotropics SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 3) media spokesperson |
|
| Maurer, Eric F., Ph.D. Associate Educator Professor 1306 Crosley Tower phone (513) 556-9706 eric.maurer@uc.edu |
Evolutionary & Aquatic Ecology: Patterns of distribution and diversity Life history, morphological, behavioral evolution; Temperate and arctic lakes & streams SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers, 3) media spokesperson Sample class visit: A Tale of Two Sisters: Adaptation in Aquatic Systems or Evolution on Ice: the Arctic, Polar Bears & Adaptation |
|
| Meyer, David L., Ph.D. Professor Department of Geology 505 Geology/Physics Bldg. phone (513) 556-4530 david.meyer@uc.edu |
Invertebrate paleontology, coral reef ecology, paleoecology, and taphonomy SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson Sample class visit: "Cincinnati's Sea without Fish" |
|
| Petren, Kenneth, Ph.D. Professor, Dean of A&S Biological Sciences 800C Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9719 petrenk@email.uc.edu |
Ecology and evolution of vertebrates; experimental ecology, competition and invasions; molecular phylogenetics; island systems; gecko lizards and Darwin's finches SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson |
|
| Polak, Michal, Ph.D. Professor Biological Sciences 820A Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9736 polakm@email.uc.edu |
Ecology and evolution of vertebrates; experimental ecology, competition and invasions; molecular phylogenetics; island systems; gecko lizards and Darwin's finches SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson |
Endorsed links for improving evolution education:
- National Center for Science Education
- Evolution Resources from the National Academies of Science
- The Society for the Study of Evolution - Educational Resources
- PBS.org Evolution Series
- American Association for the Advancement of Science - Evolution on the Front Line
- Understanding Evolution (University of California, Berkeley)
- The Panda's Thumb
- Kansas Citizen's for Science
- Society for Evolution Education (Sunrock Farm, Wilder, KY)