Scores of high school students responding to the same biology cognitive preference test using both normative and ipsative procedures were compared. All subtests, whether ipsative or normative, had high alpha Cronbach coefficients. A number of similarities were found in the mean scores obtained by the two procedures, as well as moderate positive…

A study was conducted to test and compare the effects of a group-paced, multimedia, non-lecture method and a traditional lecture method of instruction in General Biology, and to determine if the type of evaluation used influenced a student's chances of successfully completing the course. Subjects were 308 students enrolling in General Biology…

This study investigated the effectiveness of computer simulations for enhancing the problem solving skills of high school students. Summaries of three related studies are presented. Results indicate that the computerized simulations enabled students to master the objectives of a biology course as effectively as traditional methods. (ML)

Introduces classroom and other activities for teaching the importance of the tropical rain forest. Includes some resources and reading materials. (YP)

Discusses people's relationship with oceans, focusing on ocean pollution, use, and protective measures of the sea and its wildlife. Activities included are "Mythical Monsters"; "Globetrotters"; "Plastic in the Sea"; and "Sea of Many Uses." (RT)

Describes an experiment involving pineapples and gelatin that allows students to investigate the conditions that typically render an enzyme functionless, similar to the effect of nerve gasses. Discusses the materials, procedures, and results, drawing analogies to the effects of a nerve gas. (CW)

Summarizes the academic preparation of secondary school science teachers in Idaho by science subject. Reveals that the extent of some problems appears to be greater than reported in the literature. Reports that only 57% of Idaho science teachers were endorsed to teach the subject they taught. (CW)

Defines wetlands and lists several types of wetland habitat. Describes explorations that can be done with secondary school students including the baby boom, a food pyramid, and microenvironments. Includes a classroom poster with text on the variety of wetlands. (CW)

A study comparing Type A behaviors in premedical college students, non-premedical science majors, and other students found that premedical students were no more likely to exhibit Type A behaviors than those aspiring to doctorate-level training in nonmedical fields, but did find some gender differences and behavior changes over time. (MSE)

Discusses the feasibility of using fermenters in secondary school laboratories. Includes discussions of equipment, safety, and computer interfacing. Describes how a simple fermenter could be used to simulate large-scale processes. Concludes that, although teachers and technicians will require additional training, the prospects for biotechnology in…

Describes some of the aspects of the environmental education program at a K-12 school located in the Coast Range of Oregon. Discusses activities relating to wildlife biology, forestry, beekeeping, pesticides, and land use. (TW)

The 338 14-year-olds who participated in a study to determine effects of pictures on readability of science topics completed a cloze test during the study and an objective items recognition test afterwards. Posttest scores showed pictures made topic easier to remember although they had little effect on cloze test results. (MBR)

The American Association of Dental Schools' guidelines for oral biology curriculum cover its scope, primary educational goals, prerequisites, sequencing, faculty, course content in each subarea (oral tissues and systems and oral diagnostic methodology), and specific behavioral objectives. (MSE)

Introductory courses in biology are often either designed for majors or watered-down versions for nonmajors that are not stimulating. A course developed for nonmajors emphasizes the relationship of biology to the human condition and focuses on five basic concepts while being flexible enough to adapt to new research and technology. (MSE)

Examines possible benefits when Ausubelian learning approaches are integrated into computer-assisted instruction, presenting an example of this integration in a computer program dealing with introductory ecology concepts. The four program parts (tutorial, interactive concept mapping, simulations, and vee-mapping) are described. (JN)