Presents an activity to teach natural selection that involves students in a microbiological investigation. Students discover that a change in environmental conditions tests a species' range of adaptations. (DDR)

Examines current health care literature on the microbiology of the home environment, summarizing evidence of transmission within the home and assessing the effectiveness of cleaning practices and products. The article focuses on the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, then looks at routes of transmission of infection within the home and discusses…

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)

Presented is a simulation program for Apple II computer which assays the effects of a series of variables on bacterial growth and interactions between microbial populations. Results of evaluation of the program with students are summarized. (CW)

This article describes how pasteurized milk can act as a growth medium for bacteria and provide an ecosystem for scientific inquiry. Included are objectives, materials, procedures, questions and a discussion of expected results. (CW)

Presents a simple, practical, and inexpensive method for growing microorganisms that will help middle school students experience microorganisms and introduce them to important science concepts. Students grow microorganisms and investigate questions concerning environmental factors that affect growth of populations. (LZ)

Presents a rationale for using the history of science in science education. Uses the life and work of Louis Pasteur to illustrate how the history of science can illustrate the nature of science. Describes how Pasteur's bourgeois ideology and ambition influenced his selection of problems to investigate. (over 35 references) (PR)

A procedure that allows students to view an entire bacterial growth curve during a two- to three-hour student laboratory period is described. Observations of the lag phase, logarithmic phase, maximum stationary phase, and phase of decline are possible. A nonpathogenic, marine bacterium is used in the investigation. (KR)

A study assessed the effectiveness of a microcomputer-assisted instructional program using graphics, color, and text in simulations to enhance pharmacy students' knowledge of microbiology and antimicrobial agents. Results indicated high short- and long-term retention of information presented and higher levels of knowledge and comprehension among…

A quantitative laboratory exercise based upon the procedures copper manufacturers employ to increase copper production is described. The role of chemoautotrophic microorganisms in biogeologic process is emphasized. Safety considerations when working with bacteria are included. (KR)

Presents an overview of microorganisms contained in soil. Describes an activity where students use hand lenses or microscopes to find fungi in soil. (PR)

Presents a protocol that can be used to discover that S. marcescens produces a bright red pigment when exposed to one temperature condition and does not produce this color under other conditions. Enables students to connect gene expression and environmental changes. (DDR)

Describes a laboratory experiment in which students explore how a microbe makes cellulose. (ASK)

Discusses the opportunity to teach biotechnology from a technological perspective with the introduction of technology education in New Zealand. Presents information on the professional development research project that introduces teachers to the practice of biotechnology identified in "Technology in New Zealand Curriculum". (Contains 24…

Presents information on the modern production of yogurt and describes a simple method for producing yogurt in the classroom using milk purchased from the grocery store. (WRM)