Mathematics and Society - OS X Lion Server

INTRODUCTION MATHEMATICS AND BIOLOGYAnother part includes elementarywork on genetics. The observation ofphysical traits in themselves, parentsand classmates allows students to developan intuitive feeling about thetraits passed down from parents to offspring.Using Mendel's experimentswith the garden pea, the basic ratiosof inherited traits are identified.Blood typing and a simulation usingcolored squares are also used to providestudents with an elementary knowledge ofthe complicated science of genetics.ATTACHEDUNATTAcHEDSome interesting and thought-prov9k-,ing activities on the concept of sizecomprise another part of this section.Students compare properties of smooth orbumpy surfaces.They also investigatethe relationships of linear, area, andvolume measurements as they apply to the (proper size of animals. A recommended ,reading for teachers (and students) is anessay by J. B. S. Haldane entitled "OnBeing the Right Size."The essay can befound in Volume 2 of The World of Mathe-matics, edited by James R.Newman or inVolume 2 of Readings in Mathematics,edited by Irving Adler.Throughout this section the intent was to provide activities that would be interesting;would not require an extensive, previous knowledge of biology; would not requireelaborate materials; would allow students to learn more about themselves; andmost of all, would show how mathematics can be useful in the study of biology.128B\oodl'"ootWhat do you notice about the number of petals in these flowers?(