Washington, DC—The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) announced that William F. McComas, Parks Family Professor of Science Education in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, is this year's winner of the 2007 NABT Evolution Education Award. In November, McComas will deliver the inaugural Kendall/Hunt Lecture in Biology Education at the NABT national conference in Atlanta, Georgia. His lecture is entitled "Using the History and Philosophy of Science to Solve the Challenges in Evolution Education."
The award, sponsored by the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) and the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS), acknowledges McComas's dedication to high-quality evolution education. Through outstanding classroom teaching, valuable scholarly publications, and insightful public presentations, McComas has promoted accurate understanding of biological evolution.
The Evolution Education Award, which is presented annually, recognizes the innovative and effective classroom teaching and community education efforts of an individual who promotes the understanding of evolution. All K-16 science educators who include life science lessons or units in their classroom teaching are eligible for the award. Applicants must demonstrate that their teaching of evolution incorporates investigative, student-centered, and original materials and resources; they must participate in community and professional education and outreach on the subject of evolution; and they must help students and the local community understand biological evolution and the impact of evolutionary insights on society. The award recipient receives a recognition plaque, a combined $1000 cash prize from AIBS and BSCS, and a complimentary one-year membership in NABT.
For more information on the Evolution Education Award, and other awards presented by NABT, visit http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=132.
Additional information about William F. McComas can be found at dailyheadlines.uark.edu/11237.htm
Samantha J. Katz
Director of Education and Outreach
Tel: 202-628-1500 ext. 206