On 9/13/12, the Workshop on Developing Assessments to Meet the Goals of the 2012 Framework for K-12 Science Education was held at the National Academies of Science. The workshop was organized and led by the NRC Committee on Developing Assessments of Science Proficiency in K-12 (co-chaired by James Pellegrino and Mark Wilson) and targeted to state…

This booklet is designed to aid in identifying some of the organisms that live along the Texas Gulf Coast. Also emphasized are physical and biological features of the area and proper management of commercially valuable species. Activity suggestions are included. (Author/BW)

[Slides] presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in 2009. This study investigated the presence of a general rise in high school grades without a corresponding rise in SAT scores, as well as different grading criteria between schools, as shown by differential relationships between AP course grades and exam scores. These…

This booklet contains a six-week series of laboratory investigations that may be used individually or in combination to complement other biology course materials or as an independent laboratory course in radiation biology. Contents include twelve activities dealing with radiation biology, five additional activities suitable for individual work,…

Compares and contrasts the habitats, behaviors, feeding habits, and physical characteristics of centipedes and millipedes. Offers suggestions for acquiring and maintaining these invertebrates in the classroom. Sample questions for discussion and investigation are also given. (ML)

Lists a selection of trade books written in Spanish for young readers. Books are categorized under the headings For the Very Young, Biology, Ecology, General Science, Physical Science, and Technology. (YDS)

Examines research related to the retina's coding of visual input with emphasis on the organization of two kinds of ganglion cell receptive fields. Reviews current techniques for examining the shapes and arrangement in the retina of entire populations of nerve cells. (ML)

Describes a method suitable for quantitative studies of plant water status conducted by high school or college students and the calculation of the relative water content (RWC) of a plant. Materials, methods, procedures, and results are discussed, with sample data figures provided. (CS)

Relates information on the characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of praying mantises. Describes the distinctive anatomical features of mantids. Provides suggestions for the care and maintenance of captive mantids. (ML)

Provides background information on the earthworm. Reviews basic anatomical, behavioral, and reproductive facts. Offers suggestions for procuring, maintaining, and breeding colonies for classroom use. (ML)

Presents a scheme that illustrates the interdependence of proteins and nucleic acids in hereditary functions, built around the arguments and assertions on the nature and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins presented in current texts. Provides background information in DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and a combined "hereditary system." (CS)

Discusses several of the plant responses to the environment and ways that these responses can be demonstrated. Includes phytochrome-controlled growth, phototropism, and geotropism. (CS)

This book was written to help introductory biology teachers gain a basic understanding of contemporary bioinstrumentation and the uses to which it is put in the laboratory. It includes topics that are most basic to understanding the nature of biology. The book is divided into five sections: (1) "Separation and Identification" that includes…

The purpose of this document is to identify potentially hazardous substances that may be in use in many school laboratories and to provide an inventory of these substances so that science teachers may take the initiative in providing for the proper storage, handling, use, and if warranted, removal of hazardous materials. The document consists of…

Discusses several aspects of software evaluation, suggesting that software should fit into an existing course and that students and faculty colleagues should be involved in the evaluation process. Also provides sources of evaluation guides, actual educational software evaluations, and software awareness materials. (JN)