Teachers Symposium Speaker Information

Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives.  David Sloan Wilson

Evolution is far more than just dinosaurs and fossils, Wilson says, and he enthusiastically explains, with a clear and pleasing style, how it affects our everyday lives. This is Wilson's fourth book on evolution (Darwin's Cathedral, etc.) and is by far the most accessible account of evolution for a general audience, as well as the farthest ranging. Building on diverse examples, Wilson demonstrates that evolution is completely relevant to modern human affairs, including how we use language, create culture and define morality. The discussion is as entertaining as it is easy to follow, covering topics as seemingly unrelated as why the burying beetle commits infanticide and why so many domestic animals have floppy ears. For readers seeking a more technical presentation, Wilson offers both a complete bibliography and list of Web sites for reference. Readers who've grown weary of the usual treatment of evolution as a deadly foe to religion will find Wilson's book a cheerful antidote, breaking new ground in its sweeping breadth and offering much to think about.

Robert Dennison, Advanced Placement (AP) Science Lead Teacher for the Houston Independent School District, has been bringing great scientists of the past to life for his students since 1984. In 1990, he began performing as Charles Darwin for gatherings of science teachers, scientists, and science historians. In 1999, he was given the unique honor of posing as Darwin for photographs taken in Darwin's restored home, Down House, which is now a museum outside of London. Later in 1999, Dennison's Darwin was a featured, General Session speaker for the National Association of Biology Teachers' annual convention where he addressed an audience of over 1,500. Mr. Dennison's portrayals of Darwin have garnered much acclaim over the past 18 years as he has spoken throughout the U.S., as well as Canada and England.

Dennison was the 2003 President of the Texas Association of Biology Teachers (TABT). He has won numerous teaching awards, including the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award from NABT, the Honorary Life Membership Award from TABT, the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement, an Advanced Placement Special Recognition Award from the College Board, the HEB Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching and a Distinguished Teacher Award from the White House.