Based on the inference that a teaching strategy that facilitates students' cognitive development toward Piagetian formal operational thought patterns will also increase scholastic performance in introductory genetics, a self-study guide was developed, implemented and tested to facilitate a student's ability to apply formal operational thought…

Examined is the issue concerning teaching bioethics. Differing points of view are discussed. The author concludes that moral and ethical reasoning should be incorporated into the public school curriculum, using morally laden issues that have grown out of advances in biological knowledge and biomedical technology. (CS)

Outlined is a water ecology unit included within a one-semester field biology course for upper level high school students. Activities described include a visit to a water treatment plant, an abiotic stream study, a biotic stream study, interactions and questioning topics, and individual projects. (CS)

Described is a case study used in an introductory college biology course that provides a basis for generating debate on an issue concerning the regulation of controversial food additives and prescription drugs. The case study contained within this article deals with drug screening, specifically with information related to thalidomide. (CS)

Explored were the effects on student attitudes of autotutorial laboratory instruction in a lower-division life sciences course designed for nonbiology majors at Skyline College, San Bruno, California. Positive results indicate the effectiveness of this mode of instruction in enhancing attitudes of students towards their learning and this…

Reviews major developments in areas that are at the cutting edge of biological research. Areas include: human anti-cancer gene, recombinant DNA techniques for the detection of Huntington disease carriers, and marine biology. (CW)

Presents some strategies that have been used to overcome problems in instructional areas of introductory biology programs. Focuses on maintaining an emphasis on inquiry, developing the process of science, the design of process laboratory activities, reducing cookbook laboratory orientation, and educating staff. (CW)

Describes an approach to teaching population genetics and evolution and some of the ways models can be used to enhance understanding of the processes being studied. Discusses the instructional plan, and the use of models including utility programs and analysis with models. Provided are a basic program and sample program outputs. (CW)

Discusses the main objectives of ecohistory and sources of information for this study. Details five themes that are important for students to know about the history of ecology including the history of Earth, fauna and flora, the human species, human civilization, and changes in the human environment. (CW)

Describes a laboratory activity that is adaptable to several levels of biology students. Discusses methods for obtaining hellgrammites, performing the experiment, and analyzing the data. Includes sample charts and graphs. (CW)

Describes a basic biotechnology investigation that includes restriction and ligation of plasmid DNA, transformation of bacteria and cloning of these bacterial cells. Discusses laboratory procedures and another activity in the identification of unknown plasmids by studying agarose gel electrophoresis photographs. (CW)

Describes the procedures used to demonstrate transpiration with the common sunflower. Discusses the results expected from such an activity. Provided is a sample data sheet. (CW)

Presented is a sample hybridoma assay which can be used in a research or classroom laboratory setting for instructional purposes. Described are experimental methods, materials, and observations made during this activity. (CW)

Discusses why creation science could be discussed in a high school biology class. Examines the debate that exists between scientific creationists, biblical literalists, and traditional scientists regarding the teaching of creation science in schools. Describes how discussion of this debate could help students understand the nature of science. (CW)

Describes the criteria used for textbook selection or rejection, how the criteria differ depending on the level of students, and how the criteria differ according to the instructor's training. Discusses results and implications for students, instructors, and publishers. (CW)