Describes a cooperative-learning exercise to develop students' observation skills in preparation for the study of histology in a human anatomy course. (WRM)

Presents an activity that allows students to observe crawling and swimming behavior in Lumbriculus variegatus, a freshwater oligochaete worm. Contains 12 references. (WRM)

Describes a laboratory protocol using clinical veterinary data that teaches the cognitive, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary for students in a biology core laboratory course. (WRM)

Provides a protocol for examining the mechanisms of animal thermoregulation in a straightforward but more sophisticated manner than using a thermal gradient. Describes a methodology for conducting operant conditioning to examine thermal set points for ectothermic animals. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

Presents protocols for setting up a Winogradsky column and biofilm slides, interpreting the chemical transformations that occur in the column as a result of color changes in the soil, identifying common microorganisms, and determining the microbial composition of the column over specified intervals of time. (WRM)

Presents some classic information on the biology of insects as well as some new research on ants, butterflies, and beetles. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Describes how information gathered from a computer database can be used as a springboard to scientific discovery. Specifies directions for studying the homeobox gene PAX-6 using GenBank, a database maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Contains 16 references. (WRM)

Advocates including plants at several trophic levels when studying food chains. Presents background information on parasitic plants, myco-heterophytes (saprophytes), and carnivorous plants. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

Advocates using computer-simulated learning environments to allow students to develop their own problem-solving rules when it comes to collecting and evaluating scientific data. Describes the use of "Identibacter interactus" to simulate identification of an unknown microorganism. (WRM)

Reviews the history and habits of the fungus commonly referred to as the "chestnut blight." Considers the impact of the blight and efforts to control it, offers personal and cultural reflections on the blight, and gives tips for incorporating the information into cross-disciplinary lessons. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

Presents information on the modern production of yogurt and describes a simple method for producing yogurt in the classroom using milk purchased from the grocery store. (WRM)

Describes an experimental system based on an engineered strain of bakers' yeast that is designed to involve students in the process by which scientific knowledge is generated. Students are asked to determine why the yeast grow to form a reproducible pattern of red and white. (WRM)

Describes the study of dung-inhabiting or coprophilous fungi to illustrate basic lab techniques and fundamental ecological concepts. Contains 24 references. (WRM)

Describes the development, preparation, and use of a medium that can select against a wide variety of Gram-negative bacteria while still allowing growth and differentiation of a wide range of Gram-positives. (WRM)

Describes an investigative laboratory activity that involves quantifying the decomposition rate of terrestrial leaf litter in soil microcosms using a 2-liter soda bottle. (WRM)