We started a new unit in my grade 12 biology class yesterday, on the mechanisms of inheritance. I wanted to impress on my students how the recognition of DNA as the code for life pervaded and altered the public consciousness. In a century that had already seen (and would later see) more history-changing events in science than perhaps the previous two or three centuries put together, DNA still stands out. I even suggested that the DNA double-helix might be the most recognizable scientific icon of all time [1]. So, I started out the lesson by telling them about my favourite…
in which, with respect to our name, we are as confused as you are
By J. J. S. Boyce
J.J.S. Boyce is a Canadian science teacher and sometimes writer, and he's never met a scientific field, sub-field, or interdisciplinary venture he didn't like. He tries to use both sides of his brain regularly, but will probably never know enough opera to be a Jeopardy! champion. His book reviews can be found at Green Man Review, other works are at Terry, SCQ, and occasionally in print media.