Recently I worked with a group of graduate students who volunteered to be science mentors for students in New York City.  They were being trained in a small set of hands-on labs designed to introduce genetics in an engaging, informal environment.  At some point during the training, we touched upon genetic mutations and variation.  I mentioned that it was a perfect segway into discussion of natural selection and evolution.  One participant raised her hand and asked, “Are we allowed to teach that?”  My initial response was surprise.  I said, “Of course!”  It is unfortunate though, that as science educators we should even More >