To help educators deliver their physiology laboratory courses remotely, we developed an inexpensive, customizable hardware kit along with freely available teaching resources. We based the course design on four principles that should allow students to conduct insightful experiments on different physiological systems. First, the experimental setup…

The digestive system is a fundamental topic in biological science teaching. Despite its importance, the level of students' knowledge on the topic appears to differ from recommended levels at several educational grades. Their knowledge also seems to be resistant to change; therefore, this discrepancy may be viewed as an epistemological obstacle to…

Two experiments examined the effects of a multimedia technology referred to as "Time Compressed Animated Delivery" (TCAD), on student learning in a junior-level reproductive physiology course. In experiment 1, participating students received one of two presentations of the same instructional material: TCAD and a lecture captured on video. At the…

The use of the earthworm as a laboratory animal for studying the effect of starvation on nitrogen metabolism is discussed. Simple techniques and methods are presented allowing in vivo physiological responses to be compared with changes in the enzyme potential of gut tissue. (Author/MA)

Describes an experiment used to demonstrate the relationship among hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions and provides and open-ended research opportunity for additional individual investigation by students. (Author/MA)

Provides background relating cardiorespiratory disease to physical activity. Three laboratory activities are described: pulse response to posture change and quiet activity, pulse response to exercise (mild increasing to strenuous), and ability to extract oxygen. The last includes information on construction of an ergometer. (CS)

Describes a blood coagulation test developed by two high school biology students. Although the test lacks some precision, results indicate that the technique is comparable to standard methods used in laboratories. (MA)

Described are several laboratory investigations that may be used to introduce biochemistry. Topics covered include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and metabolism. Reactions, stock solution formulas, and procedures are listed. Emphasized are individualizing work, designing alternative investigations, solving problems, and drawing conclusions. (KR)

This publication of the American Physiological Society provides information about some new classroom experiments and techniques. These are: "Negative Feedback Control in the Blowfly--A Laboratory Exercise,""Demonstration of Various Habitats for Investigating Murine Behavior Patterns," and "Use of Behavioral Objectives and Audio-Visual Tutorial…

Lists materials and methods for an experiment that demonstrates the concept of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using anesthesized dogs. In the dog, GFR is equivalent to the renal plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine. (CS)

Describes an experiment using rats that demonstrates contractile characteristics of normal and hypertrophied muscle. Compensatory hypertrophy of the plantaris muscle is induced by surgical removal of the synergistic gastrocnemium muscle. Includes methods for determination of contractile properties of normal and hypertrophied muscle and…

Presents experiments to introduce students to the phenomenon of biological rhythmicity and to reinforce the fact that there are differences in the physiology of human beings. (Author/MA)

Discusses advantages of radial diffusion assay in determining presence of enzyme and/or rough approximation of amount of enzyme activities. Procedures are included for the preparation of starch-agar plates, and the application and determination of enzyme. Techniques using plant materials (homogenates, tissues, ungerminated embryos, and seedlings)…

Describes a laboratory experiment designed to give beginning physiology students a successful experience with neurophysiological Techniques and to demonstrate some properties of sensory neurons. Pin electrodes are used to record extracellularly from mechanoreceptors in a cockroach leg. (Author/MA)

Describes a demonstration with mothballs that simulates the ballast mechanism of a fish air bladder. (BR)