Using spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel for building crop models and running simulations can be beneficial. Excel is easy to use, powerful, and versatile, and it requires the least proficiency in computer programming compared to other programming platforms. Excel, however, has several weaknesses: it does not directly support loops for iterative…

The lecture content of a Plant Biology class for non-majors was transformed from a traditional on-campus lecture to an asynchronous website for use both as a stand-alone internet-based course and as an adjunct to the on-campus course. Additional information and examples of the online interactive activities included in PLB 108, Concepts in Plant…

Describes the changes in the roles of the Cooperative Extension Service and extension specialists affiliated with universities. Reports the results of survey research and concludes that extension specialists should actively pursue the opportunity to direct graduate students. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Presents a laboratory exercise that uses a simple imaging technique to illustrate the profound effects that living roots exert on the pH of the surrounding soil environment. Achieves visually stimulating results that can be used to reinforce lectures on rhizosphere pH, nutrient availability, plant tolerance of soil acidity, microbial activity, and…

Documents an evolving attempt to manage a values argument writing assignment in a large enrollment plant science class. Explores how developing library skills improved students' writing. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Describes a self-contained computer application constructed using the SuperCard development tool which introduces the characteristics of turfgrass species and their optimum environments. Evaluates students' gain in understanding turf species characteristics through this approach. (LZ)

A survey of 32 land-grant institutions was conducted to determine format, topical content, and teaching methods of introductory turfgrass management courses of 4-year turfgrass management programs in the United States. Required courses included a basic soils class and a course in biology or botany, usually transmitted by the lecture method. (MDH)

The Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules (VMMM) is a web-based resource presenting interactive, 3-D, research-grade molecular models of more than 150 minerals and molecules of interest to chemical, earth, plant, and environmental sciences. User interactivity with the 3-D display allows models to be rotated, zoomed, and specific regions of…