A 1977-78 questionnaire/survey about biology field work was carried out among a random sample of secondary school biology needs in England and Wales. Results are compared to those from a 1961-62 survey. Issues addressed include opinions about field work, limiting problems, and amount of field work undertaken by teachers. (Author/JN)

Techniques for examining terrestrial and aquatic microorganisms using flattened glass capillaries are described. Capillaries can be left in natural or artificial environments for appropriate periods of time and removed for direct microscopic examination. Examples of organisms observed using the technique are given and suggestions made for wider…

Describes the life cycle, reproduction, and various classroom uses of the Louisiana Red Swamp Crayfish. Includes advantages and disadvantages of two different culturing techniques. (JN)

Describes a simple, inexpensive continuous culture apparatus (chemostat) and its applications in teaching biological concepts (growth-limiting factors and competition). Other suggested uses include experiments in enzyme induction, biosynthesis, and strain selection, and for student research projects. (JN)

The carabid beetle (Notiophilus) preys readily on an easily-cultured collembolan in simple experimental conditions. Some features of this predator-prey system are outlined to emphasize its use in biology instruction. Experiments with another potential collembolan are described in the context of developing the method for more advanced studies.…

Discusses the current theories concerning the evolution of insect-plant relationships. Offers several experiments based on recent publications in this field, concerning relationships between herbivore number and plants' successional status, geographical range, geological history, and stage of growth, and also experiments on the chemical basis of…

Provided are directions for culturing bacteria by using yoghurt as a culture medium. Yoghurt is a safe medium and results in an end product which may be eaten if desired. (PB)

Reviews methods for obtaining accurate and reproducible results in determining zonation patterns on rocky shores. (CS)

Describes a number of laboratory experiments using woodlice as experimental animals. Includes topics such as physiology of water relations, behavior, and rhythmic activity. (CS)

Describes methods for collection, culture, observation, and making permanent stained preparations of the protozoan vorticella. Suggestions are made for experiments to investigate growth, reproduction, settlement, ecology, feeding, and osmoregulation. (CS)

Briefly refers to the history, physiological background, and adaptive implications of two theories concerning the limits of sensory discrimination. An experiment is described, suitable for college and high school students, which investigates the validity of the two theories. (CS)

Describes a modification in the use of artificial substrates to study attached micro-algae. Apparatus is based on glass microscope slides immersed in natural water environments; biomass and primary productivity are assessed by measurement of alpha-chlorophyll. Describes use in studies of colonization, succession, and populational fluctuation. (CS)

Presents excerpts from a teacher's manual which describes laboratory activities in genetics for advanced secondary school biology students. Maximized are the pedagogical aspects in choosing activities, arriving at intermediate decision-points, and planning the evaluation of pupil achievement. (CS)

Describes a simplified version of New's method for culturing early chick embryos. The technique allows continuous observation of the critical first three days of development and the conditions for setting up successful cultures are also presented to help both teachers and students. (HM)

Describes a computer program which enables sixth-form (16 to 18 year-olds) British students to investigate the amino acid sequence of any chosen small oligopeptide. (HM)