Offers selections from papers which illustrate accidents, epidemics, and bad practices which could be used as background material for lessons on laboratory safety. Advocates the need for instruction on pathogenicity and infectivity. (ML)

Recommendations are made for handling and growth of Beneckea natriegens, a rapidly growing, nonpathogenic marine bacterium which can be used with advantage to replace Escherichia coli in many undergraduate microbiology experiments. Examples of experiments and the potential value of this organism as a subject for student research projects are…

Pictorial contents of biology textbooks are examined as factors to be considered in assessing textbook readability. Includes data indicating that effect of color upon the observations and interpretations of photographs varies with the child's ability. Implications for textbook selection procedures are discussed. (CS)

Provides an updated list of films and videotapes that was initially developed in 1970 for the British Society for Developmental Biology. Includes sections on cellular and genetic aspects, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The newer films are listed by title, in alphabetical order, with details of the maker, content, and duration. (ML)

A procedure is described for providing preparations of dividing cells from root apical meristems, requiring only inexpensive equipment and minimal experimental skill, and using 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Toluidene-blue as a chromosome stain. The method has been sucessfully tested in schools and yields permanent preparations of adequate quality for…

The concept of a "picture superiority effect" is discussed. Examined are a number of perceptual considerations that need to be given to picture construction. Parameters which appear to attract the learner's attention to a picture are considered. (CW)

The advent of cheaper SLR digital cameras and associated software has allowed the rapid creation of digital images. We explain three simple techniques that allow the generation of micrographs. A further technique is described that allows the production of an image from a full section of the microscope slide. Class sets of micrographs greatly…

Described is an investigation of the contributions of genes and environment to a quantitative character using readily available varieties of dwarf beans. Included are a list of materials, typical results, and a student instruction sheet. (CW)

A cooperative venture between the University of New South Wales Faculty of Biological Science and the Department of Education is described, which has resulted in the setting up of a special unit within the university to supply teaching materials to New South Wales government high schools. (Author/JN)

Presented are several ideas for projects involving ladybird beetles. Discussed is background information about the insects; and projects involving life histories, intra-specific variation, taxonomy, genetics, behavior, ecology, habitat surveys, population biology, and overwintering biology. Lists 12 references. (CW)

This paper shows that more pupils take biology than the other sciences in England. Biology attracts pupils of all abilities and girls in particular. Performance data reported suggests that the study of biology is not as effective in enhancing science performance as are the physical sciences. (CW)

An interactive computer-assisted learning program written for the BBC microcomputer to teach the basic principles of genetic engineering is described. Discussed are the hardware requirements software, use of the program, and assessment. (Author/CW)

Two designs of undergraduate terrestrial ecology and behavior field courses are described and compared. These include using a variety of projects and using a single individual research project. The relative educational benefits of each are considered and the advantages of each type of course are discussed. (Author/CW)

Presented is a guide for students planning to do a science project. Discussed are preliminary organizational matters, report plans, choosing topics, setting up procedures, time management, and documentation. The most important steps for producing a successful project are summarized. (CW)

Described is a simple technique to monitor air pollutants and to simulate some of the features of roadside canopies. Included are the procedures, directions for the assembly of the apparatus, and a discussion of typical results. Graphs of sample data are presented. (CW)