Choices in science--allocation of research funds, selection of research topics, interaction with research subjects (animals, environment, other humans), etc.--often, if not always, include some ethical considerations. Future scientists need skills to deal with and discuss ethical problems, and for that reason we have developed and evaluated one…

This document describes a grade 10-12 biology course designed to increase student interest by introducing topics in space biology including: the book "Andromeda Strain"; weightlessness; centrifuge; cosmic radiation; space research; origins of life; extraterrestrial life; and the Mars Viking Mission. (SL)

Suggested is the restructuring of secondary school biology curriculum utilizing an ecological approach based upon the physical existance of man as an individual, and as a species. Examples from a teaching syllabus are given. (SL)

Use of a classification system in teaching biology is presented as a concept aiding students' understanding of the diversity of plants and animals. The principles of classification are summarized and six learning strategies are given to show relationships among groups. (CM)

Proposes a design for a life science curriculum following the National Research Council National Science Education Standards. The overarching theme is that science as inquiry should be recognized as a basic and controlling principle in the ultimate organization and experiences in students' science education. Six-week units include Matter, Energy,…

Presents the legal definitions of copyright and copyright law. Answers questions such as, How does copyright apply to materials published on the Internet? and What might be done to reduce lawsuits? Explains the importance and necessity of using recent materials in life sciences curriculum. Provides a list of several popular publications and…

The brain is a truly fascinating structure! It controls the body and allows everyone to think, learn, speak, move, feel, remember, and experience emotions. Although the brain is a single organ, it is very complex and has several regions, each having a specific function. These functionally diverse regions work together to allow for coordination of…

Biological and Earth Systems Science (BESS) is a two-year integrated biological and earth systems science curriculum for ninth and tenth grade students developed in response to the national and statewide dissatisfaction with secondary science programs. This report provides an overview of the program's history, aims, implementation strategies,…

Describes an introductory course for college students which consists of a series of questions related to a report on bacterial contamination of glucose drip bottles. The students discuss and conduct their own experiments. Summarizes student and staff response to this course. (Author/EB)

This study was undertaken to examine prospective elementary teachers' learning about science inquiry within the context of an innovative life science course developed specifically to meet the unique needs of elementary education majors. As part of the course, prospective teachers not only engaged in an extended science investigation, but also…

Described are two curriculum units from the Michigan Sea Grant Program for middle school students: The Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes, and Great Lakes Fisheries Transition. Topics discussed include fishery rights and responsibilities, where fisheries are, the modern fishery, buying and selling fish, and preserving fish. (DS)

Described is a praparium, a completely sealed and self-contained living aquarium. Steps on how to set up the aquarium, cautions, and a list of suggested aquarium plants and fish are included. (DS)

Examines the content knowledge of genetics as it is organized for solving effect-to-cause problems. Reviews proposed reasons explaining why students find genetics difficult to learn. Explains dominant and codominant inheritance patterns, multiple alleles, and X-linkage. (RT)

Reports on data gathered to determine the quantitative course requirements of undergraduate programs in various life science fields. (ZWH)

This study explored and documented Taiwanese students' alternative conceptions of animal classification. We examined the understanding of the "animal", "vertebrate" and "invertebrate", "fish", "amphibian", "reptile", "bird", and "mammal" concepts among elementary,…