This article examines how students' botanical knowledge and interest in plants can be increased in order to counteract "plant blindness", which is a phenomenon describing the lack of people's awareness of plants. Since recent studies point to a continuous decline of students' interest in biology, especially in botany, during secondary…

The use of Augmented Reality (AR) in education combined with local potency such as Naturindo Herbal Garden located at Sendangsari Village, Pengasih District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia as a center for the herbal medicine industry and learning resource for human digestive was identified as an important strategy for developing student learning outcomes.…

The decreasing number of young students pursuing science careers has become a rising concern worldwide, particularly in China. Educational programs with empirical evidence of promoting young students' pursuit of science careers are still lacking. Here, drawing on the existing literature, we designed and implemented a 3-day quasi-apprenticeship…

Botany is traditionally viewed as less attractive than zoology for students, despite the fact that plants play a key role in natural ecosystems. It is hypothesized that survival-relevant information may enhance learner's attention and that this information might be better remembered than others. Additionally, the use of the PowerPoint (PPT)…

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of authentically based instruction using the 5E model as the structure for lesson delivery on student emotions and the extent to which the students perceived that the teacher was facilitating mastery goals. Participants were 241 sophomore and junior biology students in three urban high schools in…

Student interest in botany and enrolment in plant sciences courses tends to be low compared to that in other biological disciplines. One potential way of increasing student interest in botany is to focus on course material designed to raise student enthusiasm and satisfaction. Here, we introduce and evaluate virtual microscopy in botany teaching.…

An opportunity for teachers to join 80 outstanding biological sciences undergraduates in a series of practical sessions and lectures at the 2010 Gatsby Plant Science Summer School has inspired the development of teaching and learning resources for use in schools. Plant scientists have a crucial role to play in society and it is hoped that the…

A decline in biology interest has often been claimed but seldom with an empirically substantiation. This study was based on a sample of 3rd and 4th grade pupils within the same geographical area as Lowe's (1987, 1992) previous results from southwest Germany from the year 1983. We used a four-point Likert-type questionnaire to assess interest with…

In an effort to get children back outdoors and exploring the natural environment, a Modular Serious Educational Game (mSEG), Red Wolf Caper, was created as part of a design-based research study. Red Wolf Caper uses a combination of an augmented reality (AR) game and a serious educational game (SEG) to capture the students' interest in the natural…

Presented is an idea for combining popular hobby interest with the big ideas of science. Suggestions are presented and detailed directions given for terrarium building. (EB)

Describes a blindfold botanist project for high school biology students to augment visual recognition of plants and to serve as a challenge to motivate students. (BR)

A comparative study of student achievement in botany and zoology based on data of 10 studies conducted in 20 countries. Up to age 14, students achieve better in zoology; after age 14, students achieve better in botany. Based on the findings, recommendations are suggested regarding curriculum planning, laboratory work and the need for specific…

This pilot study done with non-majors in a botany class indicate that: (1) Students with prescribed activities may achieve more cognitive knowledge during the course; (2) Students with a choice of activities may increase their long-term retention and enhance their affective areas of learning. (MA)

Describes a science activity in which any and all elementary school students can become involved and enjoy success. Various activities centered around a student-devised mini-garden are proposed. (EB)