Nine sixth-grade students were asked to identify plants by their common names. In the event that students did not know the correct response, researchers observed a variety of avoidance strategies. The study demonstrated that students at the elementary level should be introduced to the concept of genus before more abstract levels of the botanical…

Provides simple instructions for establishing an herbarium, in which the collecting and classifying of dried plants preserves a vital record of the status and variety of the flora found within particular locations at specific times. (Author/JJK)

Provides an assessment of national standards for precollege science courses, specifically precollege botanical education. The article provides suggestions for instructors to aid in ensuring that more botany is taught at all educational levels. (ZWH)

Presents an interview with Walbot who has done genetic research using corn plants. (PR)

Presents a laboratory activity designed to be a botanical autotutorial tour of a supermarket, meant to increase students' appreciation of the role that botany plays in the production of food. (WRM)

Describes a method to collect seeds that are dispersed from weeds while avoiding some outdoor hazards such as rough terrain or animals. Describes a plan for creating a weed fishing pole and includes a materials list. (SAH)

Points out the usefulness of drawing for a biologist, how biologists spend time on it, and contrasts how teachers do not spent any time on drawing in biology education. Recommends starting drawing with plants because they are stationary. Provides drawing exercises and explains how to draw with different techniques. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Presents a field exercise illustrating the ecological requirements of a group of organisms and testing the common hypothesis "moss only grows on the north side of trees". Describes the protocol. (YDS)

Provides hands-on biology activities using plastic bottles that allow students to become engaged in asking questions, creating experiments, testing hypotheses, and generating answers. Activities explore terrestrial and aquatic systems. (MKR)

Describes the topics and teaching strategies employed in an Issues in Biology course. Discusses flowers, plant breeding, potatoes and tomatoes, the chocolate tree, weeds, Arabidopis, gene transfers, and plant genes/human genes. Contains 22 references. (JRH)

Explores using corn seeds to demonstrate plant growth and development. This experiment allows students to formulate hypotheses, observe and record information, and practice mathematics. Presents background information, materials, procedures, and observations. (SAH)

Provides an activity that focuses on the color changes of leaves and reinforces lectures in ecology, plant physiology, and the scientific method. (ASK)

Introduces the pea plant experiment targeted to determine the effects of Knop's solution, a solution containing all the necessary minerals, on plant growth. Compares two groups of pea plants, one treated with Knop's solution and one treated with demineralized water. (YDS)

Both indoor and outdoor garden plants can cause problems. For example, the foliage of the bird-of-paradise and philodendron plants is toxic. A poinsettia leaf can kill a young child. Outdoor plants such as castor beans are highly dangerous. All parts of the potato and tomato plant are poisonous, except the potato and tomato themselves. Large…

In this paper, the authors explore the potential of garlic ("Allium sativum L.") to illustrate the concept of allelopathy and demonstrate the biological activity of plant volatiles. This article describes several classroom experiments involving garlic that can be used as a method of introducing students of various ages to the following important…