Hands-on activities with live organisms allow students to actively explore scientific investigation. Here, I present activities that combine guided inquiry with direct instruction and relate how nutrition affects the physiology and behavior of the common housefly. These experiments encourage student involvement in the formulation of experimental…

This activity is designed as a primer to teaching population dispersion analysis. The aim is to help improve students' spatial thinking and their understanding of how spatial statistic equations work. Students use simulated data to develop their own statistic and apply that equation to experimental behavioral data for Gambusia affinis (western…

The behavior of animals is an intrinsically fascinating topic for students from a wide array of backgrounds. We describe a learning experience using animal behavior that we created for middle school students as part of a graduate-student outreach program, Graduate Partners in Science Education, at Arizona State University in collaboration with a…

This is a set of animal behavior investigations in which students will practice scientific inquiry as they observe crayfish, ask questions, and discuss territoriality, social interactions, and other behaviors. In doing this, they hone their skills of observation, learn to record and analyze data, control for variables, write hypotheses, make…

Zoos can provide exciting educational opportunities for students to learn about a wide range of science subject matter. Zoos and similar nonschool sites have the added advantage of getting students out of school and into another environment, demonstrating that science learning can take place anywhere--not only in formal school settings. Through…

Presents an experiment that teaches the evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior. (ASK)

Suggests using African-clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) for conditioning (behavior) experiments. Other experiments using these easy-to-care-for frogs are outlined. (JN)

The carabid beetle (Notiophilus) preys readily on an easily-cultured collembolan in simple experimental conditions. Some features of this predator-prey system are outlined to emphasize its use in biology instruction. Experiments with another potential collembolan are described in the context of developing the method for more advanced studies.…

Background information, procedures, and suggestions for bird feeder studies easily conducted in high school or middle school settings are provided. Data collection and analysis are discussed. Examples of charts produced by these activities are given. (CW)

Described is a science program in Hawaii for high school students in which students are trained in a variety of tasks at a local zoo during the morning hours and then return to campus for coursework. The program offers opportunities to develop responsibility and self-esteem. (SA)

Describes ways platyfish can be utilized in biology activities and experiments. Includes an account of the animals' care, unique anatomical characteristics, reproductive behavior, and genetics. (DS)

Provides examples of several classroom activities utilizing the American horseshoe crab (Limulus Polyphemus), including raising fertilized eggs, fertilizing eggs in vitro, and testing water samples. Includes background information on the natural history, life cycle, and breeding habits of this animal. (DS)

Discusses topics to aid in understanding animal behavior, including the value of the biological approach to psychology, functional systems, optimality and fitness, universality of environmental effects on behavior, and evolution of social behavior. (DS)

A laboratory exercise using a gerbil is described for use in the high school biology class and in accordance with the National Science Teachers Association guidelines. The authors cite references that deal with current awareness of the moral status concerning animals. The exercise includes measurement and calculations. (SA)

Describes a class project to determine which environmental condition, such as light, heat, and type of basking substrate, would result in the least and most turtle basking behavior. (PR)