Illustrates ways to recycle plastic milk jugs into useful laboratory equipment. Among the uses described are storage containers, scoops, funnels, and flower pots. (MA)

Explores the dominant factor controlling the distribution of Daphnia. Describes components of a temperature gradient apparatus that can be assembled from materials readily obtainable in the laboratory and hardware stores. Investigates whether the mean depth of Daphnia is determined by temperature. (KHR)

Describes an automatic pipette washer that is functional, inexpensive, and easy to construct from locally available parts. (KHR)

Instructions for making a simple respirometer, to measure rates of oxygen consumption of organisms, are presented. The instrument incorporates most of the basic elements of commercial respirometers but can be made inexpensively by high school students. Operating instructions and applications are given. (Author/SA)

Describes the construction of an inexpensive recirculating aquaculture system that can hold up to 46 pounds of fish, invertebrates, and mussels for classroom use. The system is versatile, requires little maintenance, and can be used for both teaching and research purposes. (WRM)

Describes a method for constructing undergravel filters made from common materials to provide suitable habitats for a diversity of aquatic organisms. (CS)

Inexpensive metal probe meters that are sold by garden stores can be evaluated by students for their accuracy in measuring soil pH, moisture, fertility, and salinity. The author concludes that the meters are inaccurate and cannot be calibrated in standard units. However, the student evaluations are useful in learning the methods of soil analysis…

Outlines Marquette University's response to declining enrollments and financial restraints for its undergraduate biology curriculum, beginning with a description of the old program and its problems. Discusses redefinition of laboratory role, uncoupling and reducing number of laboratories required, teacher responsibility changes, centralized…

Describes using a local college for the teaching of the recommended Advance Placement laboratories as a way to increase greatly needed course time and to increase the amount of equipment available. (PR)

Presents a series of tried and tested ideas for making the college and high school biology laboratory a place where students can become active investigators. Focuses on infusing investigative laboratories into existing courses, laboratory equipment, student capabilities, instructor time, and student and instructor attitudes toward laboratory…