The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) biology program is explained and options within it are explored in this guide for teachers. Experienced AP biology teachers were surveyed for information concerning approaches that were effective in their programs. Descriptions and suggestions from the 14 respondents are reported in the area of: (1)…

Describes procedures for examining a beetle's anatomy with microsurgical tools. Instructions for experimental exercises dealing with the insect's structure and digestive enzymes are outlined. Tips on how to make a microscalpel are also included. (TW)

Argues that a skills-based approach for the assessment of laboratory work is philosophically unsound, educationally worthless, and pedagogically dangerous. Proposes an alternative, holistic approach to assessment, based on a more valid model of scientific practice. (Contains 38 references.) (MDH)

Discusses the inherent flaws in considering and using the epistemology of the natural sciences as equivalent to a pedagogic basis for teaching and learning in the natural sciences. Discusses the difference between practicing science and learning to practice science. Concludes with the presentation of three new motives for the use of laboratory…

This set of 16 laboratory activities is designed to illustrate the life cycle of Brassicae plants from seeds in pots to pods in 40 days. At certain points along the production cycle of the central core of labs, there are related lateral labs to provide additional learning opportunities employing this family of plants, referred to as "fast…

Explains gyroscopic motions to college freshman or high school seniors who have learned about centripetal acceleration and the transformations of a couple. Contains several figures showing the direction of forces and motion. (YP)

Describes the use and handling of alkali metals in school laboratories and seeks to reexamine precautions which one may reasonably take before executing routine procedures since their use, even by skillful teachers, occasionally results in accidents in the form of violent explosions. (Author/SK)

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)

Presents ideas on how common household light bulbs can be used to develop interest in learning physics. Focuses on supermarket data taking and analyses, filament temperatures, detective work with three-way bulbs, and lifetime statistics. (YP)

A SCIENCE UNIT ON ORGANIZATION IS PRESENTED. THE OBSERVATION AND CATEGORIZATION OF LIVING THINGS ARE EMPHASIZED. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO GATHER SPECIMENS OF PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE AND TO LOOK FOR DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES AMONG THEM. THIS COLLECTING AND GROSS SORTING OF SPECIMENS ARE ENCOURAGED THROUGH LABORATORY EXERCISES. DATA SHEETS ARE USED…

Describes an alternative technique for determining the molar volume of hydrogen from the metal-acid reaction in which the metal sample is encased in a specially prepared cage and a pipette filler is used to fill an inverted burette with water. Eliminates some difficulties encountered with the conventional technique. (JRH)

Details a simple quantitative experiment to measure the percent of oxygen in air. (DKM)

Discusses the impact of various factors on the "charring reaction" of a carbohydrate with concentrated sulfuric acid including the type of sugar, the degree of fineness of the sugar crystals, and the amount of water added. (JRH)

Describes a DNA profile technique that was performed by a group of high school juniors and seniors. (JRH)

Presents activities that involve the separation and identification of dyes from mouthwashes and the determination of their alcohol content. Provides a review of various analytical techniques and shows students that more than one instrument or technique may be required to analyze a product. (JRH)