Changes in college biology instruction in recent years reflect the changes in college instruction in general: information-dense textbooks, high-technology laboratory experiments, complex computer simulations, and easy exchange of data and ideas. Educators can now ask questions unthinkable by their classical forebears, and students can participate…

This study sought to find out whether concept mapping reduces anxiety and thereby enhances achievement in biology. A total of 51 grade-10 students participated in the experiment. Findings indicate concept mapping is significantly more effective than traditional teaching in enhancing learning in biology and reducing student anxiety toward biology.…

Describes a take-home experiment in which students measure the diffusion of acid through acid-filled capillary tubes immersed into base solutions and vice versa. Students represent and analyze the effects of ambient temperature, molecular weight, and concentrations of the solutions on that movement. (MDH)

Discusses the use of videodisk technology to teach biology. Presents videodisk selection criteria for biology teachers, lists 13 biology videodisks and their suppliers, and lists videodisks offered with biology textbooks. (MDH)

Discusses the need for sex education and the inclusion of accurate information in materials produced for young people. Materials that address sexual reproduction, puberty, teenage pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases are reviewed, and recommended titles for print and nonprint materials are listed together with resources for…

Presented are 27 science activities for secondary school science instruction. Topic areas include microbiology, botany, biochemistry, genetics, safety, earthquakes, problem solving, electricity, heat, solutions, mechanics, quantum mechanics, flame tests, and molecular structure. (CW)

Presented is a teaching progression that enhances learning through low-cost, manipulative transparencies. Discussed is instruction about restriction enzymes, plasmids, cutting plasmids, plasmid maps, recording data, and mapping restriction sites. Mapping wheels for student use is included. (CW)

Discussed are the effects of a scientific literacy course on subsequent learning in a traditional biology course. Scientific literacy, Piagetian theory, schema theory, and metacognition as the framework for the development of the literacy course are discussed. (KR)

Reports the results of returned surveys of biology instructors (n=44), chemistry instructors (n=20), and personnel officers (n=19) in the North Carolina Community College System. The instructor survey concerned the type of courses taught, the academic preparation of the instructor, and the perceived value of secondary teaching. (PR)

Describes the effects of teacher subject-matter knowledge on classroom discourse at the level of individual utterances. Details analyses conducted in a year-long study of language in the classrooms of four new biology teachers. Among the findings are that these teachers talked more, asked more questions, and relied heavily on low cognitive level…

Presents a laboratory activity for use during the first or second week of school that engages students in the basic principles of the scientific method. (PR)

Explains how Darwin's observations and experiments can be used to show the true nature of science and good scientific methods. (PR)

Discusses the principles of sustainability and how it relates to human impact on the environment. Describes modern society as a paragon of waste in contrast to natural ecosystems. (PR)

The science trade books that appear in this annotated bibliography are recommended for Spanish-speaking students. (PR)

Describes the new public television series called "The Secret of Life," and explains how the program can be used in an elementary school classroom. Large color poster is included. (PR)