ERIC Number: ED328446
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1990
Pages: 96
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-0-87355-089-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Cycles of Nature. An Introduction to Biological Rhythms.
Ahlgren, Andrew; Halberg, Franz
This book is an outlined for the short study (1- to 2-weeks) of chronobiology, a field of science that explores the relationships between time and biological functions. It develops step-by-step the reasoning that leads to the current scientific understanding of biological rhythms. The unit can be inserted into a standard middle or high school biology course. Because the scientific study of biological rhythms begins with data, Chapter 1 provides a brief review of the ways to collect, graph, and interpret data. Chapter 2 introduces some of the cycles in nature, especially those of the human body-from dream cycles to menstruation to body temperature. Chapter 3 explores how these cycles come about and explains the differences between external and internal influences. Chapter 4 explores the internal workings of organisms to determine whether there is a single master source of timing information that synchronizes an organism's many interacting cycles. Chapter 5 discusses the impact of rhythms on society and asks how an understanding of them could bring progress in medicine, work schedules, and everyday life. Chapter 6 offers a brief historical perspective on the study of biological rhythms, and chapter 7 outlines eight activities that demonstrate cycles in chemicals, plants, and animals. Each activity includes an introduction, materials, set-up, procedures, and possible extensions. (KR)
Descriptors: Biological Influences, Biology, Graphs, Human Body, Laboratory Procedures, Medicine, Science Activities, Science Curriculum, Science Education, Scientific Concepts, Secondary Education, Secondary School Science
National Science Teachers Association, 1742 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20009 ($12.00).
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: National Science Teachers Association, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A