Presents an annotated list of 20 basic concepts from ecology that might be considered for inclusion in courses of study designed to improve environmental literacy among undergraduates. Supplies references for each concept. (64 references) (JJK)

Presents race concept as an example of how social issues are underemphasized in college science education. Reviews history of the race concept and reports on current status of the concept in textbooks and among college faculty members. Given specific stipulations, proposes continued use of the race concept for some infrahuman species, while…

Quantitative outcomes from the Attitudes toward Science Inventory, as well as interview results, indicate that nonscience college majors have high anxiety levels in combination with low levels of motivation when confronted with science material. Further, these attitudes toward science change with exposure to introductory, science instruction with…

Provides brief arguments for and against the use of animals in research and education. A survey was conducted of 200 students to seek answers to the following questions: How do students feel about the dissection of animals in life science classes?; and Do students feel they would learn as much biology without laboratory animal investigations?…

A series of recipes that can be used to show how algae is used in diets around the world are presented. Information on the harvesting and preparation of the seaweeds prior to packaging and distribution is provided. The recipes use both red and brown seaweeds. (KR)

A method of teaching ecology that incorporates field trips and student projects is described. A list of possible field trips and directions for guiding students as they proceed with their projects are provided. (KR)

Three interactive computer-assisted learning programs are described. The use of tissues from freshly killed frogs is simulated, including the isolated sciatic nerve, the sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle, and the in situ heart. (KR)

Discusses the weaknesses and strengths of both term papers and short reports in fulfilling the supplementary goals of an introductory biochemistry course, namely, the development of written communication skills in concert with the presentation of course materials. (JJK)

An assignment centered on reading journal articles and writing abstracts is an effective way to improve student reading and writing skills in sedimentology and stratigraphy laboratories. Each student reads two articles and writes informative abstracts from the author's point of view. (PR)

Introductory college science courses, particularly those intended for freshmen, are challenging to teach because teachers are trying to inspire student interest. Using visual aids, even homemade, listening carefully to students, understanding that some will fail, encouraging those who have special ability or potential, and developing course…

Students in the classroom, the faculty who teach courses for which a specific course is a prerequisite, and the employers of graduates present their ideas on the topic of what is good instruction. The top 10 characteristics of good instruction according to students and faculty are provided. (KR)

A course curriculum model that shows how modern engineering design graphics can be used to conceptualize, develop, analyze, and communicate engineering designs is presented. Background studies, early investigations, and a weekly curriculum outline of the course are provided. (KR)

Presented is a program where biochemistry students acquire hands-on experience through participation in an on-line computer literature search. The objectives of the program, example printouts, and a list of subtopics, authors, and sources used by students are included. (KR)

Described is the role of technology in the Human Genome Project. A poster of the human genome as is known in 1990 is provided with a list of representative genes and a glossary of terms. (CW)

Provided is an outline of laboratory activities involving a full year of student investigations of natural-resource ecology and an example of an activity, "Home Range Analysis." Objectives, background information, key vocabulary, skills, materials, procedures, extension activities, and evaluation of this three-lesson activity are discussed. (CW)