Use of motion pictures and videotape recordings to analyze animal behavior is described. Indicates that accuracy/amount of data available is greatly increased and that simultaneous behaviors of different animals can be studied or individual behavior patterns increased/decreased, providing observers with temporal perceptions similar to the animals…

Compared transactions in junior/senior high biology classes and indentified relationships between classroom conditions, lesson format, and instructional activities. Found instruction characterized by inquiry-oriented, laboratory-based learning led and guided by the teacher, with only medium dependence on the textbook. Also found the Structured…

Discusses the basic issue between biology and the religious right, focusing on the strategies creationists use. Proposes formation of a symposium on the relationship between science, religious beliefs, and politics, outlining purposes of such a symposium and questions which might be addressed. (JN)

Following a discussion of the philosophy of and three general approaches to curriculum development for the middle school, four basic components of a marine science curriculum related to the three curriculum approaches are described. Components focus on course themes (ecology, stewardship, interdependence) and attitudes related to early…

Examines creationism/evolution debate in context of philosophy using ontological models in which reality is assigned to one or both natural or transnatural (supernatural) realms. The six models (theistic-teleological dualism; deistic-mechanistic dualism; fundamentalist creationism; atheistic monism; theistic monism; mechanistic monism) deal with…

Provides top-rated programs (by university) in biochemistry, botany, cellular/molecular biology, microbiology, physiology, and zoology. Overall scores included with each program were obtained from 1,848 biologists who were asked to rate programs in terms of faculty quality and their effectiveness in educating graduate students. (Author/JN)

Questionnaires were sent to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science teachers (N=100) to determine practical problems at the student/teacher/subject matter interface. Responses related to importance of content area for students and difficulty students have in learning the content are discussed. (SK)

Describes laboratory procedures, demonstrations, and classroom materials, including "diet poker" (nutrition game); an experiment on enzyme characteristics; demonstrations of yeast anaerobic respiration and color preference in Calliphora larvae; method to extract eugenol from clove oil to show antibiotic properties; and Benedict's test.…

Reports the results of a study which investigated the relationship between learning style characteristics and left/right hemispheric preference of high school biology students (N=353). Concludes that a statistical significance exists indicating that different settings and instructional approaches are necessary to better promote learning. (DC)

Provides a general overview of humor and its use in educational settings and makes specific suggestions to educators who want to include or increase its use in their classroom. Discusses characteristics, benefits, categories, student perceptions, stages of humor, sources and forms of humor, and pacing. (DC)

Describes some results of a project funded by the National Science Foundation to investigate ways to make a college biology course accessible to visually impaired students, including use of tactile diagrams as an alternative to microscopes and a variety of measuring techniques. (Author/SK)

Describes a high school biology course using 17 learning activity packages for individualized instruction based on the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Yellow Version. Topics discussed in detail include the learning activity packages, the use of computers, and evaluation of the program. (CS)

Provided for each of 12 minority group role models in aquatic occupations are job responsibilities, educational requirements, comments on a typical day at the job, salary range, and recommendations for students wishing to enter the field described. (JN)

Discusses how new developments in mathematics, informatics, physics, chemistry, biology, and related fields will impact curricula in the future. New interdisciplinary approaches to science instruction, more flexible forms of education, and improved science teacher education are needed. (AM)

Reviews biology education from 1950 to the present and highlights major assessments of past efforts and current needs (emphasizing "critical elements" in biology curriculum/instruction noted in "Project Synthesis"). The historical perspective and data provided by the assessments are used to seek solutions for the remaining…