It is a controversial issue in education that students perform dissection experiments. Different opinions have been noted in studies on this subject, and various applications are recommended according to education levels. This case study aimed to determine pre-service science teachers' views of hands-on dissection and virtual dissection. The study…

We present a practical activity focusing on two main goals: to give learners the opportunity to experience how the scientific method works and to increase their knowledge about enzymes in everyday situations. The exercise consists of determining the amylase activity of commercial detergents. The methodology is based on a qualitative assay using a…

The purpose of this study was to report United States of America (USA) science teachers' understandings of the internal structures of the human body. The 71 science teachers who participated in this study attended a frog/pig, two-hour dissection workshop at the 2004 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The…

Describes the hazards of using living materials in the science laboratory and outlines safety procedures that are particularly applicable to schools. Explains hazards to both mental and physical health and examines the latter in terms of fundamental and contingent factors. (Author/GS)

The three common laboratory accidents, Cuts, Burns, and Fainting are considered from the aspects First Aid treatment and prevention. (Author)

Describes an arrangement of a laboratory course in biochemistry designed to teach currently used biochemical techniques and then have students apply the procedures in a real research program so as to give students a better understanding of biochemistry. (BR)

A practical exercise is described that allows students to investigate a specific problem using a variety of biochemical techniques. The need for a thorough understanding of the theoretical principles underlying these processes is emphasized. A program of private study and assessment is suggested to enable the progress of students to be followed.…

An experimental system, suitable for secondary schools, uses Chlorella vulgaris to demonstrate the effects of mercury and cadmium. Very low concentrations of mercury or cadmium decrease growth, whereas lead or arsenic have little effect. Further experiments show additive interactions between mercury and cadmium and antagonistic interactions…

Suggests ways in which hens' egg vitelline membranes can be used to demonstrate cell traction effects. Reviews procedures for using and culturing the membranes and identifies topic areas for student projects. (ML)

Describes an experiment which demonstrates the association of particular metabolic biochemical changes and muscular fatigue. Highlights applications related to cellular energy metabolism, metabolic regulation, and muscle energetics. (ML)

Describes the construction and uses of a low cost fermenter reaction vessel which is suitable for laboratory growth of microorganisms by continuous and batch cultures from plastic soft drink bottles. Lists materials, discusses modifications that can be made and gives examples of use. (CW)

Describes an experimental setup using a microcomputer for demonstrating the circadian movement of petioles. Discusses experiments that were performed using this apparatus and factors that relate to these plant movements. Includes graphs that have been obtained. (CW)

Outlines the genetic elements found in the bacterial cell which play a role in recombining DNA sequences. Provides a core structure to which the mechanisms occurring in and between bacterial cells can be related. Discusses the practicalities of recombinant DNA techniques. (Author/CW)

Suggests an approach and methodology for analyzing field and laboratory populations. Describes an experiment using mustard to show how competition and inequality can be assessed. Discusses the variables responsible for determining the abundance of organisms. (CW)

Presents a model system designed for the electrophysiological investigation of single unit activity in intact anaesthetized animals. Illustrates how information is coded into action potential patterns by sense organs. Uses the ampullary electroreceptor of the brown bullhead catfish as an example. (Author/CW)