Describes a method of cutting up pages in texts to make moveable, magnetic cards that can be used for instruction and assessment. Uses the diagrammatic illustrations associated with the complicated biotechnology procedures of the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. (JRH)

Describes a sophisticated version of the fruit fly experiment for teaching concepts about genetics to biology students. Provides students with the opportunity to work with live animals over an extended period. (JRH)

Describes an activity that would be useful for any level biology class discussing recombinant DNA technology to help students visualize the step-by-step process involved. (JRH)

Presents reflections on Maxine Kumin's "In Deep", a collection of essays on living in the country. Highlights the works of some farmers who write and some writers who also farm. Contains 26 references. (JRH)

Examines four ecological principles and their misapplication in common models of environmental ethics. The principles include balance in nature, the fragility of nature, high diversity yielding high stability, and interdependence in nature. Also suggests an alternative way to incorporate each principle in a working environmental ethic. (AIM)

Describes a curriculum for teaching evolution in an introductory biology class. The historically based instruction improved the students' understanding of evolution as contrasted with traditional instruction. An increased use of Darwinian ideas, and a decreased use of non-Darwinian ideas were also noted. (AIM)

Describes an investigation of the associations between students' perceptions of laboratory environment and their attitudinal, cognitive, and practical performance outcomes. Assesses student outcomes in three distinct areas: (1) student attitudes; (2) achievement on a written examination; and (3) practical performance, specifically in the biology…

Describes an experiment to demonstrate a simple method for measuring fungus growth by monitoring the effect of temperature on the growth of Trichoderma viride. Among the advantages that this experimental model provides is introducing students to the importance of using the computer as a scientific tool for analyzing and presenting data. (AIM)

Describes how to lead students through a classroom-based simulation to teach a variety of concepts such as X-linked traits, sex determination, and sex anomalies. The simulation utilizes inexpensive materials such as plastic eggs that twist apart to represent human eggs and sperm. (AIM)

Reports on a simple classroom exercise that investigates whether students' beliefs of what they think should happen influences their measurements. The exercise also provides a framework for discussing the challenges that human belief systems bring to the discipline of using the scientific process. Results suggest that students' preconceived…

Describes how to use paper analogies as models to illustrate various concepts in biology, human anatomy, and physiology classes. Models include biochemical paper models, protein papergrams, a paper model of early brain development, and a 3-D paper model of a eukaryotic cell. (AIM)

Describes an exercise used as a follow-up activity to a lecture presentation exploring the basic methodology and theory of shoot tip cultures. Utilizes a factorial experimental design which allows for the determination of the effects of each factor alone and in combination with each other. Other concepts emphasized include dependent and…

Presents a visual aid designed to generate an image of water movement among soil particles using an overhead projector to teach the physical phenomena related to water status and water movement in the soil. Utilizes a base plate of thin transparent plastic, opaque plastic sheets, a plate of glass, and a colored aqueous solution. (AIM)

Addresses the most popular models currently being chosen for biological research and the reasons behind those choices. Among the current favorites are zebra fish, fruit flies, mice, monkeys, and yeast. Concludes with a brief examination of the ethical issues involved, and why some animals may need to be replaced in research with model systems.…

Presents a discussion based on the premise that the entire educational system needs reassessment if there is to be an influx of women, particularly African-American women, in the quantitative sciences. Provides strategies focusing on science education that are based on a search of the literature and on the personal experience of a biology teacher.…