Examines how young children in preschools use the criterion of movement to determine whether an object, in this case plants, is living or non-living. Reports that children presented a conceptual change classifying the plant as alive using explanations including dependence on environment and other functions. Includes references. (CMK)

Two exercises on the dispersal of tree seeds by the wind are presented. Procedures, equipment, and analysis for the still air and wind dispersal activities are described. Nineteen references are listed. (CW)

Discussed is the evolution of aerobic organisms from anaerobic organisms and the accompanying biochemistry that developed to motivate and enable this evolution. Uses of oxygen by aerobic organisms are described. (CW)

Described is a backyard activity that can be used to introduce children to the divisions of the plant and animal kingdoms in their local environment. Preparation, procedures and followup are discussed. Background information on taxonomy and two activity cards are provided. (CW)

Explains how a science teacher's experiences as a chimney sweep were used to provide new material for introducing and reinforcing scientific concepts. Photographs of chimney inhabitants were used as the raw data for student inquiries into the ecological processes taking place in and around chimneys. (RT)

Described are the techniques and results of using this tissue culture activity. Discusses the advantages of using such techniques in teaching alternation of generation life cycles to biology students. (CW)

Describes evaluation activities after a seven-week unit on botany and natural communities in a fifth-grade class. The six tasks designed for multiple learning styles include writing a topical essay, drawing and labeling plant parts, clinical interviews, group discussion, concept mapping, and evaluating questions. (PR)

Provides the electronic circuit schematic for the construction of a green vegetation sensor, the directions for its use, and suggestions for student projects. (JJK)

A collection of creative pupil activities in science lessons is presented, discussed, and illustrated. The activities include drawing, acting, gaming, and modeling. The relative merits of work of the types described are analyzed. (KR)

Describes using tetrazolium chloride as a chemical test for seed germination. (PR)

Discusses current biological research related to plants, including rootless plants, cellulose synthesis, plant identification in forensic science, and plant chemistry. Contains 19 references. (WRM)

Discusses and presents activities for learning about plant fossils. The first activity uses teacher-prepared "fossils" made from plaster of Paris. Students attempt to classify the plants. In the second activity, students observe actual plant fossils. (PR)

Considers the contributions of John Bartram, a self-taught botanist and farmer in Colonial America. Bartram collected and classified hundreds of North American plant species, eventually enjoying international renown as a botanist. His 102-acre farm and garden in Pennsylvania have been restored and preserved. (MJP)

Investigates whether the use of the combination of lecture, discussion, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) significantly improved students' attitudes toward biology and their understanding of reproduction in plants and animals. Studies grade 11 Jamaican female students (n=77) from two traditional high schools in Kingston. (Contains 19…

Explains the procedure for creating a field guide for high school students. Provides field guide questions and a sample format of the guide's insect page. (YDS)