Illustrates the basis for misleading statements about the relationship between pH and acid content in acid rain. Explains why pH cannot be used as a measure of acidity for rain or any other solution. Suggests that teachers present acidity and pH as two separate and distinct concepts. (RT)

Presents data from studies conducted on student self-discipline and attitude toward biology. Suggests reasons for the difficulties non-biology majors experience in college biology classes. Proposes several ways that biology instructors can help their students improve their performance and attitudes in non-major biology classes. (CW)

Describes an activity that combines manual and computer simulation of a population undergoing selection using three alternative genetic models. Discusses procedures used, model and how the computer simulation works. Stresses the advantage of using the student involvement of the manual exercise in combination with the speed of the computer…

Recent events, such as the anthrax scares and the SARS outbreak, have forced teachers to focus on issues such as disease control and bioterrorism in their own backyards. Students are aware of the current biological issues in the news and are curious about infectious diseases and the issues relating to biological warfare. In order to address the…

A four-phase staff development program for faculty of health science professional schools is described, and aspects of the teaching/learning process are considered. The first phase dealt with intensive, all-day educational workshops for faculty in the basic and applied health sciences. Topics such as instructional planning, strategies of teaching…

One in a series of publications on Illinois' State Goals for Learning, this report identifies what students are expected to know in the biological and physical sciences by the time they complete their elementary and secondary education. A sample set of learning objectives is provided to assist districts in the development of their own objectives.…

Many feel that secondary school graduates are not prepared to compete in a world of rapidly expanding technology. High school and college students in the United States often prefer fantasy to science. This book offers a strategy for overcoming student apathy toward the physical sciences by harnessing the power of the cinema. In it, ten popular…

Describes an approach to teaching population genetics and evolution and some of the ways models can be used to enhance understanding of the processes being studied. Discusses the instructional plan, and the use of models including utility programs and analysis with models. Provided are a basic program and sample program outputs. (CW)

Describes the development of a topics course offered jointly by the chemistry and biology departments at Macalester College (Minnesota). Outlines the syllabus for the course. Discusses teaching and laboratory methods used. (CW)

Describes the flour beetle, "Tribolium confusum," and its life cycle, habitat, culturing requirements, and some possible uses of this beetle as a classroom animal. Discusses what children could learn from flour beetles. Explains how to get rid of beetles found in foods at home. (CW)

Presents a model, organizational procedures and evaluative findings of a science curriculum development program. Inservice teachers co-operatively developed modular science courses for underachievers, lists of science skills and attitudes, and materials for environmental science, physical science and biological science courses. (ML)

Presented is an activity which uses the annual process of abscission and leaf drop to illustrate all of the phases of the scientific method. Procedures, hypothesis formation, and typical results and conclusions are discussed. Alternative activities are suggested. (CW)

Described is a series of workshops designed to familiarize teachers with the social and legal background, principles of humane care, ethical considerations, and philosophies that influence animal use in the classroom. Discussed are the value of dissection, alternatives to dissection, and student reactions to dissection. (CW)

Describes a lab exercise used to demonstrate the measurement of biomass in a three layered forest. Discusses sampling, estimation methods, and the analysis of results. Presents an example of a summary sheet for this activity. (CW)

Describes the four-week summer program of the Native Americans in Biological Sciences Program that engages Native American eighth- and ninth-grade students in studying the problems related to the waste water treatment plant in Cushing, Oklahoma. (MDH)