Describes the preparation of a simple microbiological medium using inexpensive materials routinely available in any supermarket. Discusses inoculation of the medium and colony examination. (JRH)

Mycobacteriophages are in the limelight of biomedical science (Pedulla et al., 2003), and new phage can be discovered and studied in a variety of high school and undergraduate educational settings. Simple methods for finding and studying new mycobacteriophage are described.

Presents a plain English map of the chromosomes of the fruit fly that contains genes from very different kinds of studies. Represents the work of nearly a century by thousands of researchers using a tremendous variety of techniques. (JRH)

Presents a number of simple exercises that demonstrate potato tuber characteristics and are designed for high school biology students and teachers. Exercises include Typing, Grading, Shape, Eye Characteristics, Defects, Specific Gravity, Dry Matter Content, Glucose Content, Baking, Frying/Chipping, and Taste Testing. (JRH)

Describes a DNA profile technique that was performed by a group of high school juniors and seniors. (JRH)

Describes four principles essential to understanding the properties of biological molecules. Also uses classroom examples to aid in a discussion of instructional strategies for teaching these principles. (ZWH)

Includes a description of a program designed to help students better recognize a wide variety of life forms and understand their important role in the ecosystem. Discusses the program format and observations about the program's effectiveness. A sample natural history sheet is also provided. (ZWH)

Presents a simulation game that facilitates understanding of the concepts of enzyme kinetics and inhibition. The first part of the game deals with the relationship between enzyme activity and substrate concentration while the second part deals with characterization of competitive and noncompetitive inhibition of enzyme activity. (JRH)

Describes the use of electrophoresis in the high school utilizing two new gels that are easy to pour, do not require degassing, can be used on a horizontal gel electrophoresis, and are not neurotoxic or carcinogenic health hazards. Large diagrams and written instructions are used to present the protocol of setting up the electrophoresis. (PR)

Argues for the use of procedures known as clearing and double staining to clear soft tissues and differentially stain cartilage and bone in specimens. Describes each step of the process. (DDR)

Presents a game called the Meiosis Shuffle that helps students simulate the process of meiosis in which homologous cards representing chromosomes pair up, line up, and split apart. Students respond well to the simulation and are better able to conceptualize what chromosomes do and how independent assortment causes genetic variation. (CCM)

Explores the problem of dominance as a concept, traces its persistence to the history of mythic images of Mendel, and discusses how we can mend the flaws while providing valuable lessons in the history and nature of science. (SAH)

Illustrates how antigen-antibody interactions can be applied to the study of evolution. Includes background information, materials, methods, procedures, and results. (SAH)

Recommends the use of food storage jars for long-term storage of specimens in biology laboratories. Reports excellent preservation rates over a 20-year period. (DDR)