Presented is a detailed review of the guidelines and techniques utilized for contractual learning in biological science courses. Included are six different student grade contract offerings based upon the learning contract presented. (SL)

Argues that the topic of symbiosis has been greatly neglected and underemphasized in general-biology textbooks. Discusses many types and examples of symbiosis, and provides an extensive bibliography of the literature related to this topic. (JR)

Summarizes recent findings that help in understanding how evolution has brought about the diversity of plant life that presently exists. Discusses basic concepts of evolution, diversity and classification, the three-line hypothesis of plant evolution, the origin of fungi, and the geologic time table. Included are 31 references. (CW)

Demonstrates the magnitude of an extinction event by using a simulation to illustrate the massive nature of the loss of a family and the number of species that perish to achieve that result. (RT)

Offers a simple experiment that tests the effectiveness of cleaners that inhibit bacterial growth. Outlines a step-by-step method for preparing culture media that can be used for isolation and propagation of microorganisms. Concludes that kitchen medium is as efficient as the professionally-made medium in supporting colony growth. (CCM)

Describes a new college values program that focuses on how values are formed and their influences on our understanding and treatment of the environment. (LS)

A number of activities are described by which a class can collect biological data about the students in the class. Brief instructions are given. (RH)

Part two of a two-part article gives details of the threat of off-road vehicles to the terrain and wildlife of desert areas and to cultural values. (JR)

Described is the construction and use of an environmental garden. The garden serves as a source of both indoor and outdoor laboratory materials, including vascular plants, fungi, algae, mosses, zooplankton, and macroscopic invertebrates. (BB)

Nine questions are presented for student discussions relating to genetics, evolution, and racial characteristics. A brief introductory discussion of these topics are presented, as well. (BB)

A variety of health careers is discussed. The point that biology is a basic study to all of those careers is emphasized. Career futures in health professions and the role of teachers in preparing students for those professions are discussed. (MDR)

Suggests that it is time for biology curriculum planners and teachers to apply theories that explain how students acquire and retain knowledge, especially human information processing theory and the cognitive theories of Piaget. (BB)

Discusses how to get a job in academic outdoor education, particularly at the Yosemite Institute. (BB)

Described is a method of teaching introductory college biology that utilizes original research papers. Course materials facilitate student understanding of biologists as people and understanding methods used by scientists to uncover new knowledge. (EB)