This report documents research and development performed under the sponsorship of the Cognitive and Neural Sciences Division of the Office of Naval Research in fiscal year 1991. It provides abstracts (title, principal investigator, project code, objective, approach, progress, and related reports) of projects of three program divisions (cognitive…

Since the discovery of recombinant DNA in the early 1970s, biotechnology has become an essential tool for many industries. The potential of biotechnology to improve the Nation's health, food supply, and the quality of the environment leads logically to questions of whether current levels of investment in research and development, human resources,…

Since the discovery of recombinant DNA in the early 1970s, biotechnology has become an essential tool for many industries. The potential of biotechnology to improve the Nation's health, food supply, and the quality of the environment leads logically to questions of whether current levels of investment in research and development, human resources,…

A method of developing and improving curriculum exemplified by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) is described. BSCS is a self-governing, independent, nonprofit organization of biologists and teachers devoted to the improvement of biological education. This group is involved in an ongoing, continuous project with rotating personnel.…

Reports on the major events in the history of science and technology in the United States from 1887 to the present. The events are organized into 10-year blocks with a summary of the major advances in the fields of politics, economics, medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, and electronics. (CW)

Discusses one mechanism proposed for the two-step initiation/promotion scenario of the development of cancer called oncogenes and a possible alternate mechanism that may prevent tumors from developing. Uses the example of retinoblastoma to illustrate the mechanisms. States that these mechanisms may not be caused by the activation of oncogenes. (CW)

Discusses methods that can be used to encourage students to use chemical principles to evaluate claims made in advertising. Considers weight loss diets, structure and properties, and reproducibility of evidence. (CW)

Discusses variables which determine the strategies animals use to organize their lives. Describes advances in understanding animal behaviors. Shows how game theory has helped to explain the existence of alternative behavioral strategies and the constraints under which organizers exist. (Author/CW)

Describes how short-term laboratory projects were used to teach population and community ecology to undergraduate environmental science students. Directed students to formulate and implement their own hypotheses and experimental designs. Uses questionnaire results and written reports to assess the contribution of the course to student…

A science laboratory was developed for use by kindergarten through sixth-grade students. The operation of and the types of science activities used in this laboratory are described. (JN)

Suggestions are provided for teaching a unit on bees to first-grade students. In addition to science content, students learn valuable citizenship and academic skills while engaged in such activities as honey-tasting, visiting an apiary (bee farm), and writing poetry. (Author/JN)

Characteristics of the archaebacteria (comprising the methanogenic, thermoacidophilic, and extreme halophilic bacteria) are discussed, including comparisons of molecular traits for archaebacteria, eubacteria, eukaryotes, and taxonomic considerations. Issues related to integrating the archaebacteria into biology curricula and teaching about the…

The results of using laboratory instruction as part of the total biology program in the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study are reported. (Author/SA)

Describes the first Biology Olympics for high school teams which took place at Slippery Rock State College, Pennsylvania. Individual events are described as well as the visitation day program for nonparticipants. (SA)

Explored were the effects on student attitudes of autotutorial laboratory instruction in a lower-division life sciences course designed for nonbiology majors at Skyline College, San Bruno, California. Positive results indicate the effectiveness of this mode of instruction in enhancing attitudes of students towards their learning and this…