Among the variables considered, the best predictor of achievement in biology is the IQ of the students; the type of ninth-grade science course completed seems to have very little to do with subsequent performance in biology. (DS)

The recently-appointed executive director of the National Association of Biology Teachers describes his responsibilities during the early months of his office. Five issues are outlined which relate to the association's future role. (SA)

Presents some techniques for helping biology students to think about the future, such as the Delphi Technique, the cross-impact matrix and the future circles. (HM)

Investigates the effect of an activity-oriented biology course on the science attitudes of preservice elementary teachers. Forty-nine students enrolled in this course during the winter and spring quarter of 1977 at St. Cloud State University, Minnesota participated in this study. (HM)

The Supreme Court is faced with some difficult issues with a common origin in disagreement between the Patent and Trademark Office and the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals over the code that defines what things are and are not patentable. The patent concerns of the computer software and molecular biology fields are addressed. (JMD)

Explains the nature of a course on the biology of women which is part of a minor in women's studies. Provides the course objectives and a listing of all the courses required for the minor in women's studies. (DDR)

Describes a technological approach to teaching the relationships between biological form and function. Computer-assisted image analysis was integrated into a microanatomy course. Students spend less time memorizing and more time observing, measuring, and interpreting, building technical and analytical skills. Appendices list hardware and software…

Describes a course that integrates abstract biological concepts into narrative contexts to make science come alive for apprehensive nonmajors. Simple and creative methods of conveying information--such as humorous, light-hearted analogies to lighten the mood--reduce the abstractness of the material and alone can effectively relieve anxiety and…

Describes a modular, interdisciplinary curriculum offered by the City and East London Confederation. This curriculum aims to encourage more student responsibility for education, to create a problem solving approach to learning, to give early exposure to clinical elements, and to develop student communication skills. (DDR)

States that the ethics of using animals in science should be debated; however, the history of medicine is so clear on the contribution of animal usage to our understanding of the causes, preventions, and cures of diseases that only the untutored or those with a hidden agenda could argue that animal research has not been fundamental to medical…

Describes the new national biology curriculum in the Netherlands, including a modern branch of biology called ethology. Topics covered include General Objectives, Lessons on Ethology and Student Skills, Role of Ethological Theory in Lessons, Emphasis on Human Behavior, Student Skills to be Developed, and items to be included in lessons such as…

Presents a study to determine whether biology students in preservice training to become high school teachers hold correct scientific views that will eventually allow them to plan and implement instructional strategies which in turn will lead their future students to achieve a correct scientific concept of force. (Author/DKM)

Explains a method to enable students to understand DNA and protein synthesis using model-building and role-playing. Acquaints students with the triplet code and transcription. Includes copies of the charts used in this technique. (DDR)

Recommends the use of seed beetles for studying animal behavior and provides suggestions for practical and project assignments. Sources for obtaining the beetles and a list of the equipment needed for their study and maintenance are provided. Answers to common concerns are addressed. (DDR)

The purpose of this study was to determine if factors to predict success in college biology (i.e., prior knowledge of biology or reasoning ability) depend on the instructional method employed (i.e., expository or inquiry). Reasoning ability was found to account for a significant amount of variance in final examination scores, regardless of…