The extent to which grades 3-7 students (N=424) hold animistic notions and the meanings of these notions were evaluated. A classification test composed of 16 pictures (8 living and 8 inanimate objects) and a questionnaire were used. Ninety-nine percent classified animals, 80 percent classified plants, and 56 percent classified embryos as living.…

A survey examined Israeli biology teachers' (n=95 student teachers and 118 practicing teachers) understanding of biology. Discusses teachers' knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, interest, and attitudes on characteristics including levels of biological organization; self-reported profiles; background variables; and differences between…

Identifies factors which affect students' attitudes toward the use of animals in research and in learning biology. Responses of students (N=577) in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11 to questionnaires were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance by grade level and sex. Results and implications are discussed. (CS)