Animal dissection is practiced to varying degrees around the world and is particularly prevalent in North America throughout all levels of education. However, a growing number of studies suggest that nonanimal teaching methods (NAMs) (e.g., virtual anatomy tools and three-dimensional models) are better for achieving learning goals compared to…

Evolutionary medicine is a growing area of research and practice; however, it is not widely discussed in introductory biology courses. Because of the interest in human biology, using evolutionary medicine is a great way to hold students' interest, placing topics in context, making the subject of evolution relevant. Too often students lose interest…

High school students are very seldomly, if at all, taught that race is a social rather than biological construct, and this pedagogical omission has led to biological essentialism. Biological essentialism is the belief that race can be used in predictable ways to determine intellect and/or behavior. Biological essentialism can result in the belief…

Describes historical accounts dating back to as early as 604-562 BC of the various uses of hydroponics. Throughout the article, diagrams and simple instructions are provided to aid in classroom use of hydroponics. (ZWH)

Presents a series of tried and tested ideas for making the college and high school biology laboratory a place where students can become active investigators. Focuses on infusing investigative laboratories into existing courses, laboratory equipment, student capabilities, instructor time, and student and instructor attitudes toward laboratory…

Examines the pros and cons of laboratory instruction. Complaints lodged against laboratory instruction include its high cost, and lack of research supporting the lab. Justifications listed include science education research supporting the lab, psychology, and common sense. (DS)

Presents the "extended discretion" approach as another dimension to conventional biology laboratory investigations. Results of a study comparing this approach to BSCS investigations indicate that tenth-grade students can handle increased discretionary demands related to their learning activities, thus encouraging responsibility and…

Describes a self-paced undergraduate environmental science course focusing on a theme that earth is similar to a spaceship inasmuch as: (1) both possess finite room and resources, and (2) living things are dependent upon life-support systems for continued survival. Includes a list of laboratory and learning activities. (DS)

Describes ways platyfish can be utilized in biology activities and experiments. Includes an account of the animals' care, unique anatomical characteristics, reproductive behavior, and genetics. (DS)

Described is a project designed to transport a rich fossil-bearing bed of rock to the campus of a community college for analysis by undergraduate students. The arrangements, set-up acquisition of rock, transportation, and costs are discussed. The benefits of this arrangement are highlighted. (CW)

In 1987, National Science Teachers Association commissioned the Search for Excellence in Biology Teaching Task Force. This article is a distillation of the task force report, highlighting the criteria for excellence in biology teaching, grades 7-12. The criteria for excellence are in five subsections: Goals, Criteria for Curriculum, Criteria for…

Recounts events leading to the existence of an organization for biology teachers. Cites data on the status of biology teaching in the United States. States that the association has been concerned with accuracy of course content, facilities, curriculum, instruction, and teacher preparation. (RT)

Discusses the use of and recommends a new direction for laboratory work within the context of teaching human ecology for science and social science teachers and compares traditional and human ecological approaches to science laboratory work. (CS)

Ideas related to including ethology in high school biology programs are given. The methods of ethology and tips on how to communicate observations are briefly explained. (SA)

Inexpensive metal probe meters that are sold by garden stores can be evaluated by students for their accuracy in measuring soil pH, moisture, fertility, and salinity. The author concludes that the meters are inaccurate and cannot be calibrated in standard units. However, the student evaluations are useful in learning the methods of soil analysis…