Describes a five year research project in plant ecology by successive teams of students. The aim was to identify environmental factors which were determining the distribution of the vegetation on a pitheap. Includes descriptions of vegetation, soil properties, and computer assisted analysis of results. (Author/CW)

The food preservative sorbic acid can be extracted from Eurasian mountain ash berries (commercially available) and used to show antifungal properties in microbiological investigations. Techniques for extraction, purification, ultraviolet analysis, and experiments displaying antifungal activity are described. A systematic search for similar…

Proposes that leaf yeast serve as quick, inexpensive, and effective techniques for monitoring air quality. Outlines procedures and provides suggestions for data analysis. Includes results from sample school groups who employed this technique. (ML)

Describes an activity (suitable for high school or college) in which the effects of competition in the structuring of ecological communities are examined. The exercise also offers an introduction into species diversity; more advanced classes may be encouraged to seek reasons for differences in insect diversity on different trees. (Author/JN)

Discusses: (1) the fluid mosaic membrane structure and light reactions of photosynthesis as exemplified by the Hill and Bendall "Z-scheme"; (2) the arrangement of light-harvesting pigments, electron transport components, and ATP synthesis on chloroplast membranes; and (3) how these topics are treated in A-level textbooks. (JN)

Discusses concepts needed to understand plant water relations and results of a study designed to examine the understanding of these concepts by students preparing for A-level examinations. Focuses on students who have learned the topic using the old terminology compared with students adopting the new suggested terms. (Author/JN)

Describes a field exercise which links ecology and taxonomy in the teaching of the species concept. Two common hedgerow plants (red and white campions) are used as a pair of "species" that are normally distinct. Plants of intermediate character can be encountered, and the status of these plants is investigated. (Author/JN)

Describes equipment for recording human breathing (stethographs, tambors, spirometers), construction of pooters (pipettes), field exercise on examining epiphyte distribution on tree bark, and vertebrate skeleton models for teaching locomotion. Includes abstract of student research project examining pH on Colpoda encystment and reviews of…

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

Results of a study investigating the nature of secondary school pupils' difficulties in understanding the concept of water potential are presented. Provides examples of common misconceptions. (CS)

Presents a study in which the conversations of primary school groups were collected in a botanical garden and analyzed for content. The data were examined for the effects of the presence or absence of an adult in the group, age, and the sex of the pupils. (Contains 27 references.) (Author/DDR)