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    Of Rabbits and Mycology

    While most people in the English-speaking world are familiar with The Tale of Peter Rabbit, few who grew up reading this story realize that its author, Beatrix Potter, loved science and spent a short time as a mycology researcher. The contents of this short essay were distilled from a story in Natural History magazine entitled “The Secret Life of Beatrix Potter” (vol 81, p. 38, October 1972). This piece is well worth reading and strongly recommended if you plan to use this unit in your class. The main scientific concept involved here is of symbiosis, and the nature of science and the chemical reaction of photosynthesis are also addressed briefly.

    Relevant National Science Education Standards

      Unifying Concepts and Processes — The reading discusses the evidence that led Beatrix Potter to conclude that the algae and fungi in lichens live in a symbiotic relationship.

      Physical Science — The reading explores the chemical reaction of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

      Life Science — The reading discusses behavior and interdependence of organisms with regard to symbiosis and discusses matter and energy in living systems in regard to photosynthesis.

      History and Nature of Science — The reading addresses science as a human endeavor and gives a historical perspective in the story of Beatrix Potter, and it addresses the nature of scientific knowledge in regard to Potter's testing the symbiosis hypothesis experimentally and drawing conclusions from her results.

    Relevant New Jersey State Science Education Standards

      5.1 The reading discusses how Beatrix Potter made observations, interpreted and analyzed data, drew conclusions, and communicated her results.
      5.5 The reading shows how symbiotic orgnaisms help supply each other's needs.
      5.5 The reading explores the diversity of life.
      5.6 The reading touches on the behavior of matter in its mention of the chemical reactions of photosynthesis.

     

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    References

      Gilpatrick, Naomi. “The Secret Life of Beatrix Potter,” Natural History, vol. 81, p. 38, October 1972.

    Copyright ©2002 The Chemical Heritage Foundation