Introducing research in undergraduate biology studies may contribute to creating research vocations and generate the idea that science may influence all aspects of common life. However, laboratory practices are too often disconnected from current investigations and rarely address real-life questions that are really interesting for students.…

It is challenging for biomedical engineering programs to incorporate an indepth study of the systemic interdependence of cells, tissues, and organs into the rigorous mathematical curriculum that is the cornerstone of engineering education. To be sure, many biomedical engineering programs require their students to enroll in anatomy and physiology…

Described is an activity in which students are able to determine that DNA can be transferred between bacteria and should be able to predict the type of DNA transferred. Methods, materials, and results are discussed. (CW)

Presents a procedure by which cytokinins are used to induce a population of dividing and differentiating cells on the cut surface of the roots of an intact plant. Includes the method used, results, and suggestions for a variety of variables that may be tested. (RT)

Describes laboratory procedures for observing the progressive change deciduous leaves undergo prior to abscission. Outlines the starch test, sugar test, extraction and chromatography of pigments, and experimental results. States that obtained results enable the events of leaf senescence to be correlated with the carbohydrate economy of a tree in…

Discusses a research project of testing detergents that resulted from students' classroom observations of and questions about water pollution and suds. Outlines procedures and responsibilities necessary for conducting the experiment. A sample student data sheet is included. (RT)

Gives some ideas for studying and growing crystals in the classroom and home as well as some background information to help integrate these ideas into an existing science curriculum. Discusses three activities including common household materials and laboratory procedures. (CW)

Describes science activities which use simple chemical tests to distinguish between materials and to determine some of their properties. Explains the water, iodine, heat, acid, baking soda, acid/base indicator, glucose, and sugar tests. Includes activities to enhance chemical testing and a list of suggested powders for use. (RT)

Presents an exercise which was designed to help students read material and follow directions more appropriately when performing laboratory activities. Provides a list of materials, instructions, comments, vocabulary words, and a diagrammatical sketch of an insect. (RT)

Describes two simple procedures allowing students to experiment with living membranes and to relate their results to fundamental membrane structure. Provides instructions for determining the effects of temperature and organic solvent stress on cellular membranes, and spectrophotometric analysis. (RT)

Describes how to organize a student-directed laboratory investigation which is based on amphibian metamorphosis, lasts for nearly a term, and involves extensive group effort. Explains the assignment, student response and opinion, formal paper, and instructor responsibilities. (RT)

Describes a program in which second-year biology students use plasmid isolation to remove DNA from Escherichia coli bacteria and subsequently ligate and transform it into other E. coli bacteria. Cites ways teachers can get involved in current research that allows student participation. (RT)

Discusses the importance of laboratory experiments in which students were given a few guidelines and small groups had to design the experiments. Describes the old and new orders of laboratory projects and the effects of change. (CW)

Presents a technique for eliminating errors in the analysis of the nickel subgroup of the aluminum-nickel group cations. Describes the process of color and chemical changes that occur in this group as a result of ligand and coordination number changes. Discusses opportunities for student observations. (TW)

Presents a demonstration that gives students an opportunity to observe how the composition of food can be analyzed. Outlines materials, directions, and background enrichment information. Cites additional references for use. (RT)