Reports on a classroom instruction project in a community college anatomy and physiology course designed to focus less on rote memorization and more on active learning. Discusses the students, procedures, evaluation of student learning, student reactions, and student outcomes. Concludes that most students felt positive about their experiences with…

Reports on a nationwide survey of graduate teaching assistant (GTA) training and teaching resources available to faculty. Discusses examples of workable programs and comparisons of GTA training models. Concludes that even when there is some formal structure in the GTA training program, these experiences are brief and follow-up activities are…

Focuses on bridging the gap between classical and molecular genetics for two traits: wrinkled seeds in garden peas and white eye color in fruit flies. Discusses the molecular details of the underlying basis of these traits. Contains 15 references. (JRH)

Presents a lab that can be offered after students have learned the basic anatomy and physiology of the various phyla, the primary objective of which is to explore and apply their acquired knowledge to a new situation. Involves exploring the anatomy and life-style of the squid. (JRH)

Discusses simple and safe techniques that can be used in the educational laboratory to study hemoglobin. Discusses the spectral properties of hemoglobin, spectral-absorbence curves of oxyhemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin, tracking the conversion of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin, and changing from the oxyhemoglobin to deoxyhemoglobin conformation.…

Presents an activity designed to make the study of DNA and the process of protein synthesis "user-friendly" in a student-centered and integrated manner for all introductory biology classes. Allows students to experience molecular processes through concrete kinesthetic activities. (JRH)

Presents a protocol that uses reverse phase chromatography for the separation of chloroplast pigments. Provides a simple and relatively safe procedure for use in teaching laboratories. Discusses pigment extraction, chromatography, results, and advantages of the process. (JRH)

Discusses what is cancer; proto-oncogenes that encode four classes of proteins including growth factors, growth factor receptors, intracellular signaling messengers, and transcription factors; tumor suppressors; and cancer therapy including metabolic inhibitors, alkylating agents and antibiotics, mitotic inhibitors, and hormone-related therapy.…

Describes a course that uses video production projects to entice lower level students into independent field investigation, reinforce their scientific curiosity, and build their confidence in the value of their own observations. Discusses the rationale behind using video, the lab structure, the success of this approach, and logistics and…

Reports on a survey designed to study four aspects of academic misconduct: (1) the prevalence of academic misconduct; (2) perceptions of what constitutes academic misconduct; (3) views regarding causal factors; and (4) punitive measures appropriate in an instance of academic misconduct. Proposes recommendations to enhance student awareness and…

Describes the use of mud dauber wasp nests in laboratory activities in ecology and behavior and life science classes. Provides students with an opportunity to develop and practice basic skills including dissection, identification, observation, measurement, and communication. Discusses the life of mud daubers, obtaining and storing nests,…

Presents activities that allow students to explore the fundamental but poorly understood concept of diffusion by appealing to their kinesthetic senses first, then challenging their analytical skills as they try to deduce the mathematical principle involved. Presents a computer simulation of diffusion and discusses diffusion's limitations and…

Presents a protocol that gives students hands-on experience in generating a meaningful physical map of a circular molecule of DNA. Topics include agarose gel electrophoresis, logic of restriction maps, extracting data from an agarose gel, managing data from gels, experimental protocol, loading gels, electrophoresis, photographing gels, collecting…

Presents a laboratory procedure that involves students extracting their own DNA from a single hair follicle, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a polymorphic locus, performing electrophoresis on the PCR products on an agarose gel, and visualizing the alleles to generate a "DNA fingerprint." Discusses theoretical background,…

Discusses the work of two authors--Lawrence Kilham and Alexander Skutch--who write about birds. Highlights books about birds written by different authors. Contains 23 references. (JRH)