Science education researchers have long advocated the central role of the nature of science (NOS) for our understanding of scientific literacy. NOS is often interpreted narrowly to refer to a host of epistemological issues associated with the process of science and the limitations of scientific knowledge. Despite its importance, practitioners and…

Biological and social evolutionary processes, along with social and cultural developments, have allowed humans to separate procreation from pleasurable/recreational sexual activity. As a class learning project, an alternative, hypothetical reproductive scenario is presented: "What if humans were biologically ready to conceive only during one…

Outlines an activity for large classes that helps students gain an understanding of the variety of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the means of transmission of those diseases. (DDR)

Presents an activity to teach natural selection that involves students in a microbiological investigation. Students discover that a change in environmental conditions tests a species' range of adaptations. (DDR)

Presents information on the modern production of yogurt and describes a simple method for producing yogurt in the classroom using milk purchased from the grocery store. (WRM)

Describes a project in which students collect native seeds and build a greenhouse to propagate native plants in a desert laboratory. (DDR)

Describes the use of the Internet to explore the impact of environmental changes in communities of frogs and toads. Provides a guide to investigating this topic on the web. (DDR)

Teachers are being asked to provide students with activities that are relevant, interrelated, and challenging. This article describes an activity, Zoo Investigation Cards, that place students in an investigative problem-solving situation and allows them to observe living organisms in the complex system of their natural habitat. (ZWH)

Discusses practical work which can be completed in a few hours that enables students to explore the genetics of the dandelion plant, which reproduces asexually. Dandelions, measuring instruments, and student imagination are needed for this activity. (DDR)

Details a simulation that employs a paper-and-pencil model to demonstrate the principles behind automated DNA sequencing. Discusses the advantages of automated sequencing as well as the chemistry of automated DNA sequencing. (DDR)

Introduces a method for constructing phylogenies using molecular traits and elementary graph theory. Discusses analyzing molecular data and using weighted graphs, minimum-weight spanning trees, and rooted cube phylogenies to display the data. (DDR)

Argues that reduction in the use of antibiotics would enable antibiotic-sensitive bacteria to flourish. Presents an activity designed to show students how a small, seemingly unimportant difference in doubling time can, over a period of time, make an enormous difference in population size. (DDR)

This activity guide is designed to be used with the Growing Together program. Tree-related activities are correlated to the Benchmarks for Scientific Literacy, the recommended standards for mathematics, science, and technology suggested by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The Treature Educational Program is dedicated…

Focuses on a method for teaching cascading natural selection that engages students in reading selections from popular and scientific literature aloud in class. An example is given of the use of one such selection about the Machupo virus. (DDR)

Describes a project that began as workshops for teachers in biotechnology and became a program that enables students to do hands-on biotechnology experiments in the classroom. The three parts of this program include the development of activities, access to equipment, and further workshops. (DDR)