Discusses issues surrounding the movie "Footprints in Stone," providing background information about the footprints. Notes that the rules for establishing knowledge in science are different from those in other fields, such as religion, and emphasizes the need for biology teachers to be aware of the tactics of creationists. (JM)

Discusses the changing function of the modern zoo from its merely recreational role to its newly emerging role as preserver of species, educator, and center for research. Describes the San Diego Zoo as the model for the modern zoo and provides tips for planning field trips to a zoo. (JM)

Defends the need for field trips, citing studies that show improved methodology and process knowledge. Also stresses the need for planning to ensure success of such trips and to defend them on a cost basis. Includes two field studies: a north/south slope comparison, and fossil record study. (JM)

Presents a series of experiments built around the bacteria found in the intestinal tract of formalinized rats as a model for discussing microbial ecology. Describes methods of examination of intestinal content, student tasks, and discussion questions; also gives a challenge problem to solve.

Provides rules for a game which simulates selection pressures on a hominid group. Objectives include an appreciation of how selectivity works, an understanding of how abiotic factors are able to influence a population, and how interactions within the population can influence the group. (JM)

Examined Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) programs showing how they compare to each other and other science programs and how various student groups performed. Student comparisons were made by sex, IQ, ability grouping, and socioeconomic status. Teacher background, school size and location were also examined. Summary and recommendations…

Describes recent developments in brain science with implications for persons whose research interests are in science education. Discusses new conceptual models, useful methods and techniques, and how neuroscience paradigms and technologies can be applied to teaching and learning. (JM)

Describes a course that trains students to become laboratory aids, focusing on course requirements, regular student duties, and rules/policies governing student behavior. Also offers suggestions for implementing similar courses in which students gain laboratory experience as well as learn laboratory skills. (JM)

Discusses human sexuality education in light of goals of exemplary programs in biology. Defines and reviews support for sexuality education programs, examining one program goal (behavior change), opposition to sexuality education, and values clarification. Also identifies questions of interest to many adolescents, encouraging teachers to have…

Traces the history and development of human sexuality education from 1850 to the present, discussing recent research into issues concerning the need for sexuality education, effectiveness, communication, community opposition, teacher training, and appropriate integration. Assesses teacher characteristics, implications for biology teacher training,…

Outlines Marquette University's response to declining enrollments and financial restraints for its undergraduate biology curriculum, beginning with a description of the old program and its problems. Discusses redefinition of laboratory role, uncoupling and reducing number of laboratories required, teacher responsibility changes, centralized…

Identifies from the literature some of the diverse roles that second-level biology courses serve within a school curriculum, discussing factors that may explain the current status of these courses. Course types include college preparatory, minicourses, biologic techniques, societal issues, career awareness, and courses for terminal students. (JM)

Compared performance of Project Advance biology students (N=60) with Advanced Placement (AP) candidates (N=15,947) nationally on College Entrance Examination Board AP biology test. The research, conducted to determine comparability of the program as valid measures of academic achievement, determined that Project Advance students scored above the…

Describes an advanced placement course, designed for ninth- and tenth-grade students with no prior chemistry, covering two years of content in a single year. Factors leading to course initiation, student selection, curriculum development, teaching methods, problems encountered, and overall results are considered. (JM)

Explains the procedures used in a general botany course to obtain polarization, fluorescence, and dark field images using a standard student microscope. Provides sources for materials and references. (JM)