An investigation of the relationships among student attributes, styles of teaching, and outcomes in a BSCS-based secondary school biology course is described. Two teaching styles, individual and small group teaching and whole group teaching, were investigated as were student attributes including general ability, personality characteristics, and…

Ideas are given for including fungi in classroom activities for high school biology students. A discussion on the science of taxonomy leads into a discussion on the position of fungi in the five kingdom classification scheme of organisms. Suggestions are given for observing their growth and development. (SA)

Presents the Nevada Science Teacher Enhancement Project (N-STEP) in which 50 high school teachers worked with research scientists, educational faculty, and high school students on authentic, field-based research projects in the geosciences, biological sciences, or social sciences. Indicates improved satisfaction of teachers and students with their…

Presented is a unit plan designed to allow students to thoroughly investigate a human body system through a series of learning activities, and to teach the body system to other students using the products of their research. Methods, objectives, and an evaluation of the unit are discussed. (CW)

Describes the monitoring of the redistribution of blood by using a technique which detects changes in the center of gravity of the body. Provides information about the principles and application, construction of apparatus, operating routines, and use of the computer as a recorder. Includes suggested investigations, demonstrations, and diagrams.…

Directions for the construction of a model bog habitat are provided including examples of plants and animals which may be suitable. Activities that use this model are suggested. Background information on the ecology and chemistry of the bog is included. (CW)

Discusses the diversity of rain forest life, the adaptations of rain forest plants and animals, and ways these organisms interact. Includes activities on canopy critters with a copyable sheet, rain forest revue, design a plant, and jungle sleuths. (RT)

Describes two simple procedures allowing students to experiment with living membranes and to relate their results to fundamental membrane structure. Provides instructions for determining the effects of temperature and organic solvent stress on cellular membranes, and spectrophotometric analysis. (RT)

Described is a study of 147 students that indicated a high proportion of students did not understand the concept of limiting factors. Textbook presentations that create problems are discussed. Strategies which may be more effective in teaching the concept are suggested. (CW)

Describes the use of the polygenic trait of total fingerprint ridge count in the classroom as a laboratory investigation. Presents information on background of topic, fingerprint patterns which are classified into three major groups, ridge count, the inheritance model, and activities. Includes an example data sheet format for fingerprints. (RT)

Discusses the emergence of the biology curriculum which replaced physiology, zoology, and botany in high school science courses and supplanted an early form of general science known as natural history. (RT)

Describes how to organize a student-directed laboratory investigation which is based on amphibian metamorphosis, lasts for nearly a term, and involves extensive group effort. Explains the assignment, student response and opinion, formal paper, and instructor responsibilities. (RT)

Describes theory and principles behind biosensors that incorporate biological components as part of a sensor or probe. Projects major applications in medicine and veterinary medicine, biotechnology, food and agriculture, environmental studies, and the military. Surveys current use of biosensors. (ML)

Examines three anecdotal cases of the teaching of evolution theory in an exploration of the best approaches for teaching about evolution. Three instructional options are presented: (1) readings in natural history, (2) commercially prepared activities, and (3) the use of small-group (peer) discussions. (LZ)

Reports on a study of seventh-grade life science students who received Science-Technology-Society (STS) instruction in their life science classes (n=264) versus students who received only instruction in life science content (n=136). Finds that the model of STS instruction employed significantly increased students' participation in citizenship…