Missouri Bob spoke about the way science books are written, and this is a
sideline of mine; studying how good, or bad, science texts can be. Steven
Jay Gould wrote a wonderful article, "The Case of The Fox Terrier Clone"
several years ago, which is a prime example of this problem. It is in one
of his collections, I disremember which one just this minute. It talks
about how the descriptions of the early "Dawn Horse" or Eohippus, have been
handed down through textbooks, with the size described as "about the size of
a fox terrier". This is still the description in books today, but I'll bet
95% of kids in the US, and 100% in cities, have no clue what a fox terrier
is. For the greyhairs among us, Asta was a fox terrier... remember the Thin
Man series??? Of course I only know about them from watching The Late
Show... ;->
Gould goes on to talk about a good many similar instances in textbooks,
which are "changed" every few years to ensure selling a whole new edition to
all the school systems, but usually changes are cosmetic, moving chapters
around and adding a few photos and a new cover. I've been on many textbook
review committees for California, and was an "assistant" in writing/editing
one popular Biology book for high schools. Parents, check your childrens'
books for this kind of stuff. Should you find errors or outdated
information about ferrets, or any other topic, tell the teacher, the
department chair, and the principal, and write the publisher. They do
respond to pressure.
One of the best ways to spread correct information is through education in
the schools. Schools are always looking for "freebie" sources of
information, especially new teachers, or ones teaching new grades and
subjects. If you have a little time to donate, visit a neighborhood school,
from pre-K through grade 12, and offer to visit a science class or two and
talk about ferrets. Offer to show pictures or (ideally) slides or home
movies, talk about their history, how they grow, communicate, play, etc. Be
careful about offering to bring one... most schools will probably shy away
from this unless *you* have really GOOD insurance and a *very* sweet and
docile critter. With the recent posts about unfortunate incidents this
could lead to a tragedy. A non-pet-acclimated overeager child could spell
disaster for you and your ferret with one grab. In my 10 years as high
school teacher I kept lots of animals in my room with very few incidents and
no bites, but it was sometimes touch and go, and we did lose a few mice, one
snake, and a hamster, none of which ever showed up again.
Anyhow, if you want to change the system, starting at the grassroots with
education is a great beginning. For that matter, offer to speak to a
government class about ferret legislation!!! Hey, Californians, now there's
an idea!!! 8-}
Still looking for any other suggestions for visiting European ferrets in
Amsterdam, Paris, or the Aveyron area. I have one wonderful offer from a
couple with 3 ferts near Amsterdam, but would love others. I leave this
Saturday.
Gonna miss this list for 3 whole weeks... I'll think good thoughts about
you, and read it all when I return...
JodyLee Estrada Duek [log in to unmask]
Faculty Development Specialist 520/626-2203
Division of Academic Resources 520/626-6707
U. of Arizona School of Medicine 520/626-4879 (fax)
1501 N. Campbell Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85724-5120
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[Posted in FML issue 1607]
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