Reports the results of a survey of practicing scientists, recent graduates, and undergraduates about their perceptions of undergraduate laboratory programs in biology, chemistry, and physics. Scientists and graduates regard laboratory experiences in pragmatic terms stressing the scientific process skills while undergraduates regard laboratories as…

Presents a model for teaching the principles of evolution. The model presents three major factors that direct changes and affect an individual's fitness. Uses and adaptations of the model are suggested. (Author/SA)

Discusses the development of a curriculum in physics and biology designed to help prepare academically disadvantaged college students, most of whom are members of racial or ethnic minority groups. Reasons are given for addressing concept formation and reasoning development together, and for direct experience preceding discussion of formal…

Presents seven selected biology notes which could be used in the school biology courses. Each includes the name of the author and a description of activities suggested. (HM)

Describes a technique for the laboratory culture of Eucyclops agilis using Euglena. Details of the life cycle are given, and suggestions for its use in laboratory practicals, and in investigations with sixth-form (16 to 18 year-olds) and college students in the United Kingdom. (Author/HM)

Presents an outline of the legislative framework of Danish education. The aims and curricula of biological education in the five principal sectors in which it occurs are described, together with the qualifications of the teachers. Two major influences affecting the educational system are remarked upon. (Author/HM)

Suggestions are given for dealing with "senioritis" in high school students. These include offering college-level courses at a reduced cost. A description of introducing the college freshman biology course at Syracuse University into a high school program is given, with guidelines to promote success. (Author/SA)

The approach described in this article represents a combination of teaching techniques that were successful for a high school biology teacher. The process is described as shared decision making and the student becomes an active partner in the learning process. (Author/SA)

Investigated was the kind of communication that takes place in oral teaching. Analysis of tape-recorded transcripts of fifteen half-hour biology lessons delivered to high school and college students revealed a high degree of teacher-dominance and infrequency of discussion involving several pupils. (CS)

Describes a sixth grade unit of study on metamorphosis using the silkworm (Bombyx mori). Included are techniques for care and feeding of silkworms; ideas for observations and experiments. (CS)

Presents generalizations regarding how running water systems change physically, chemically and biologically with stream order, i. e., from the tiny headwater streams (order 1) to those receiving first order headwater tributaries (order 2) and so on. Food chain diagrams respective of stream order are explained. Stream study projects are suggested.…

The Agricultural Research Service provides "hands-on" work experience in a research laboratory to college students interested in agriculture, science, math, and other related fields. Three Native American college students describe how participating in this summer intern program has helped them pursue their educational goals. (TD)

Presents a study designed to determine which particular aspects of pregnancy, birth, and babies were of most interest to 8-year-old children. Children were interested in details of a baby's behavior and development as well as the impact of its arrival on the parents. There were distinct gender differences in those topics, which particularly…

Considers the role of evolution and natural selection in the functioning of the modern human brain. Natural selection equipped humans with a mental toolbox of intuitive theories about the world which were used to master rocks, tools, plants, animals, and one another. The same toolbox is used today to master the intellectual challenges of modern…

Describes reform efforts in science education at Northern Arizona University that emphasize active, inquiry-based learning in introductory biology classes. Recommends the use of a number of strategies to involve large classes in thinking about and doing science. Contains 20 references. (DDR)