This study investigated the effectiveness of three different instructional materials for learning how to identify fish at the species level in a blended classroom and out-of-classroom scenario. A sample of 195 first-year students of biology or geoecology at the University of Tuebingen participated in a course on identification of European…

Student knowledge about plants is typically less than student knowledge about animals. Textbooks are a commonly-used curriculum material in elementary grades and contain embedded cultural ideologies that may impact instruction. This study analyzed two nationally-syndicated elementary science textbook series to explore their presentation of plant…

We examined the wildlife knowledge of primary (aged 4-12) schoolchildren. In particular, we examined the effects of children's age and gender, as well as the taxonomy and origin (indigenous versus exotic) of wildlife, on the degree of knowledge about different species. We used illustrated "flashcards" of mammals, birds and arthropods, drawn…

The relationship between the form and structure of plants and their gravitational environment is one of the most important teaching subjects of biological education. However, the teaching materials for the gravity effect have so long been concerned only with gravitropism, i.e. the short-time response of adjusting the orientation of seedling roots…

Outlines the results of an investigation into whether first year biology students used card game discussions and crosswords provided to help them learn and how useful these resources were perceived to be. Evaluates teaching staff's perceptions with regard to the resources. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/YDS)

As the Human Genome Project experiences remarkable success and a flood of biological data is produced, bioinformatics becomes a very "hot" cross-disciplinary field, yet experienced bioinformaticians are urgently needed worldwide. This paper summarises the rapid development of bioinformatics education in China, especially related undergraduate…

Describes a game developed for school children which addresses part of the Science National Curriculum. The board is a human body with organs on view. Questions relate to different organ systems, body parts, and processes. Topics include breathing, digestion and metabolism, blood and circulation, and the sensory organs and teeth. (AIM)

Discusses a computer simulation designed as an educational tool for students to observe predator-prey oscillations and experimentally investigate how changes in life histories affect predator and prey densities. Provides hands-on interaction with such theories and with mathematical models. Available to any instructor for curriculum use. (AIM)

Described are embryology experiments demonstrating effects of lithium on the nervous system and the use of hypertonic salt solutions to produce exogastrulation in the eggs of Xenopus laevis. (SL)

Described is a biology curriculum being developed in West Germany, which utilizes units of 10 to 15 lessons that may be placed in different positions within the overall curriculum. Ten units have been published for grades 5 through 8. Units for grade 3 to 13 are in development. (SL)

Eleven practical microbiology books intended or recommended for schools have been evaluated for safety. A number of the texts are unsatisfactory and suggest techniques and, or organisms which are potentially dangerous. (Author)

Amylose azure can be used as a chromogenic substrate for alpha-amylase in studying the effects of temperature and pH enzyme action. This is a model system which students can use to measure the energy of activation using the Arrhenius plot. (Author/BB)

Presents the results of a study to determine the efficacy of slide/tape and cine-loop presentations in teaching a microbiological manipulative skill to undergraduate students. (Author/SA)

Reviews the applications of the computer in teaching biology, with special reference to Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) in biology. Examples of available teaching materials are given. Computer Managed Learning is discussed as it relates to the Havering project. (Author/SA)

Discusses various aspects of in-service training and the design of self-instruction material. Special reference is given to materials for application in various places but developed at a central location. Results are given of the use of experimental materials in medical laboratories in The Gambia. (Author/SA)