Offers selections from papers which illustrate accidents, epidemics, and bad practices which could be used as background material for lessons on laboratory safety. Advocates the need for instruction on pathogenicity and infectivity. (ML)

Recommendations are made for handling and growth of Beneckea natriegens, a rapidly growing, nonpathogenic marine bacterium which can be used with advantage to replace Escherichia coli in many undergraduate microbiology experiments. Examples of experiments and the potential value of this organism as a subject for student research projects are…

Rates organisms by frequency of use and ease of maintenance in English elementary and secondary schools. (AL)

Pictorial contents of biology textbooks are examined as factors to be considered in assessing textbook readability. Includes data indicating that effect of color upon the observations and interpretations of photographs varies with the child's ability. Implications for textbook selection procedures are discussed. (CS)

Describes construction and use of a simple auxanometer which students can use to accurately measure root growth rates of intact seedlings. Typical time course data are presented for the effect of ethylene and indole acetic acid on pea root growth. (Author/BR)

Provides an updated list of films and videotapes that was initially developed in 1970 for the British Society for Developmental Biology. Includes sections on cellular and genetic aspects, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The newer films are listed by title, in alphabetical order, with details of the maker, content, and duration. (ML)

A procedure is described for providing preparations of dividing cells from root apical meristems, requiring only inexpensive equipment and minimal experimental skill, and using 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Toluidene-blue as a chromosome stain. The method has been sucessfully tested in schools and yields permanent preparations of adequate quality for…

The concept of a "picture superiority effect" is discussed. Examined are a number of perceptual considerations that need to be given to picture construction. Parameters which appear to attract the learner's attention to a picture are considered. (CW)

The advent of cheaper SLR digital cameras and associated software has allowed the rapid creation of digital images. We explain three simple techniques that allow the generation of micrographs. A further technique is described that allows the production of an image from a full section of the microscope slide. Class sets of micrographs greatly…

Presents an outline of current knowledge relating to the response of radicles to a directional source of water (hydrotropism). New techniques are described that may be used in biology classes to demonstrate the hydrotropic response in plants. (JR)

Outlines the advantages of using the readily available eggs of the nematode Rhabditis in studying the early cleavage stages of animal development. Discusses the identification and life history of Rhabditis, how to culture and examine the organism, the cleavage stages and cell lineage, and sources of visual aids. (JR)

Described is an investigation of the contributions of genes and environment to a quantitative character using readily available varieties of dwarf beans. Included are a list of materials, typical results, and a student instruction sheet. (CW)

A cooperative venture between the University of New South Wales Faculty of Biological Science and the Department of Education is described, which has resulted in the setting up of a special unit within the university to supply teaching materials to New South Wales government high schools. (Author/JN)

Presented are several ideas for projects involving ladybird beetles. Discussed is background information about the insects; and projects involving life histories, intra-specific variation, taxonomy, genetics, behavior, ecology, habitat surveys, population biology, and overwintering biology. Lists 12 references. (CW)