Explains the need, general guidelines, expectations, and advantages of student involvement in research at the undergraduate level. Lists selected research projects conducted by students at Burlington County College. (RT)

Describes the design and implementation of an interactive video system using existing videodiscs and Apple's Hypercard for use in the teaching of cell biology to undergraduate biology students. Hypertext and hypermedia are discussed, the hardware configuration is described, and a preliminary evaluation of the completed system is reported. (five…

This study examined the impact of a biology course emphasizing computer simulation on student achievement and student attitudes toward science. The students in the experimental group were placed in a class limited to 16 students to have 2 students to each computer. (YP)

This study was undertaken to determine whether a biology preparatory course given at an urban community college was helping students to develop the proper skills and background necessary to successfully complete follow-up courses in biology. Data indicated a mathematics score was the main discriminator between pass/fail groups of the preparatory…

Provided are six ideas for lessons and projects which could be done in secondary school science classes. Topics include alcohol; the relationship between water availability and water loss in plant growth; the effects of acids on teeth; woodlice clustering; the ecology of frogs; and human blood pressure and heart rate. (CW)

Described are techniques used in a course designed to teach biology as a process to improve students' skills in critical thinking, reasoning, and writing. Results which indicate improved performance on subject-content tests, increased student motivation, and understanding of science as a process are stated. (RT)

Described is a technique for monitoring the quality of freshwater aquatic habitats. Methods, comparison of samples, equipment, and data analysis are discussed and an example is presented. (CW)

Presented are the results of an analysis of the cognitive stages of tenth-grade pupils using a six-week unit on the respiratory system. The research design, instruments, and data analysis are discussed. A variety of cognitive levels was found and may be related to learning outcomes. (CW)

Examines successful/unsuccessful distinctions between novices and experts in problem solving in terms of genetic knowledge, use of production rules, strategy selection, use of critical cues, use of logic, understanding of probability, and the thinking process itself. Suggests five implications for genetics instruction and provides three problems…

Presents the mathematics of body size and surface area to volume. Examines arguments used related to the topic. Concludes that while some of the traditional arguments are valid, most are not. One analysis for an organism is provided in an appendix. (YP)

Technology affects family life, size, structure, and relationships and blurs distinctions between home and work. It is imperative to keep sight of human values and a human agenda and to insist that technology serve people, not drive policy. (SK)

Discusses the use of an electronic network in an introductory college biology course as a medium for students to actively participate in learning biology through interaction with K-12 teachers and students while completing an extra-credit project. (MKR)

Presents a diagnostic test for measuring college biology students' understanding of diffusion. Three general steps were used: (1) defining the content boundaries; (2) collecting information on students' misconceptions; and (3) instrument development. The split half reliability was 0.74, difficulty indices ranged from 0.23 to 0.95, and the…

Describes a study designed to determine whether the Biology Critical Thinking (BCT) project (which incorporates activities for developing specific critical thinking skills into the biology curriculum) enhances critical thinking skills and how it affects students' biological knowledge and classroom learning environment. Results indicate that BCT…

Uses data from the National Center for Educational Statistics' Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) to present a profile of biology teachers. Discusses background of biology teachers, preparation in the physical and life sciences, who does the preparation, and expected future trends. Compares data with results reported for chemistry, earth science,…