Presents an alternative approach to teaching Mendelian genetics that includes the use of mathematical procedures and models to describe the occurrence and probabilities of heritable outcomes. Examples illustrate use of the method to calculate genotypic and phenotypic ratios for crosses involving multiple alleles with independent and dependent…

Describes a simple, inexpensive test for soil contamination that can be used in a variety of courses to examine the effects of soil toxicity, to practice standardized laboratory procedures, to study experimental design and data analysis, or to investigate earthworm ecology. Presents background information along with details regarding equipment,…

Presents the study of declining Anuran populations as a mystery to be solved by teams of investigators. Student teams research assigned topics and develop scenarios to explain the declining populations. Provides background information on Anurans along with clue sheets. Describes possible extensions for the activity and provides the source for a…

Presents a set of six activities in population genetics for a college-level biology course that helps students understand the Hardy-Weinberg principle. Activities focus on characterizing a population, Hardy-Weinberg proportions, genetic drift, mutation and selection, population size and divergence, and secondary contact. The only materials…

Both science and quilting involve creating ordered patterns, and both are often communal activities. Examines these and other themes linking biology and quilting, including the importance of silence and touch to both endeavors, quilting as a female craft compared to science which tends to be viewed as a masculine endeavor, and biological themes…

Discusses the increasing importance of technology in teaching, especially for following current events. Describes uses of technology in a class in lieu of a textbook. Makes suggestions for applicability of the method to colleges and high schools. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Explains what being a naturalist means and discusses concerns about biologists who lack an understanding of natural history. Discusses reasons for the decline in the number of naturalists and makes suggestions on how to use natural history as a teaching tool. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Recommends using the history of the Kaibab deer as an example to teach about how scientific ideas change. Provides information on the history of the Kaibab deer starting from 1980s. Discusses implications for teaching biology. (YDS)

Examines the core courses of undergraduate biology programs in light of the changing structure of biology. Recommends a core curriculum and explains the reasons for these suggestions. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Points out the difficulties of teaching evolution and recommends using simulations to circumvent these problems. Uses artificial organisms called caminalcules for teaching which allows students to focus on principles without preconceived ideas. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Discusses the long running debate on teaching evolution in public schools. Recommends using the 5E teaching cycle of engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate to show that scientific concepts and theories can be fundamental. (Contains 20 references.) (YDS)

Uses two laboratory techniques, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western Blot, to demonstrate antibody-antigen binding concepts. Includes a list of required materials and directions for the procedure, and makes suggestions for classroom applications. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Introduces an investigative microbiology laboratory activity emphasizing critical thinking and experimental design in which students isolate and characterize a bacterium from a specific habitat. Explains the procedures of the laboratory including safety, sample collection, and isolation. (YDS)

Explains the responsibilities of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and its decision making process as to who receives an organ for transplant. Presents an activity exploring ethics, human values, and human anatomy. (YDS)

Presents an inquiry-based science laboratory examining the effects of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) on skin pigmentation in the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). (YDS)