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)

Presents an activity in which students model the processes of meiosis, fertilization, development, and birth using model creatures called reebops. Students breed reebops to analyze chromosome combinations. Makes recommendations for activity utilization and identifies the strengths of the activity. (MDH)

Describes activities in which students learn that it takes teamwork, problem solving, and personal commitment to save the environment. (PR)

Outlines the stages of a cell biology "pulse-chase" experiment in which the students apply autoradiography techniques to learn about the concept of the cell cycle. Includes (1) seed germination and plant growth; (2) radioactive labeling and fixation of root tips; (3) feulgen staining of root tips; (4) preparation of autoradiograms; and…

Describes an activity in which students look at photographs of different cats to determine the genotypes of the various characteristics observed. Provides a student worksheet. (MDH)

Ethnobotany is the scientific investigation of plant use by indigenous cultures for food, medicine, pesticides, and other purposes. Discusses the significance of ethnobotany and provides resources and laboratory activities suitable for use in biology and botany courses at the high school and college levels. (MDH)

Describes using the common house plant, "Coleus blumei," to illustrate gravitropic effects, phototrophic effects, and hormonal effects in plants. (PR)

The life history of the Chironomus tentans can be observed in easily established and maintained laboratory cultures. Projects for the classroom include observing hydration of an egg mass; embryonic development, hatching and larval feeding; larval activity; and mating activity. (MDH)

Proposes that schools declare April as "Earth Month." Explains how to get started and ways to get students excited. Describes environmental lessons and integrated activities. Provides the addresses of six sources for environmental education resources.(PR)

Provides reasons for pursuing interdisciplinary study, reviews past interdisciplinary efforts, presents in detail a course model, and summarizes student and faculty reaction. (PR)

Describes how spreadsheets can be used for helping students learn about direct current electrical circuits. (PR)

Explains how tradebooks can be used in science instruction. Presents lists of tradebooks for teacher use to (1) lower abstraction, (2) develop skills and talents, (3) enhance self-esteem and social skills, and (4) measure mastery through alternative assessment activities. Also presents lists of tradebooks for student use. (PR)

Explains how the "three D's" of ecology; diatoms, density, and diversity; can be used to generate student enthusiasm and spur investigations that can be conducted during student's own time. (PR)

Modeling is important in science and in science education. Computer-based modeling opens up new possibilities for learning science, particularly now that appropriate software is available. This article describes high school students' use of Model Builder software in high school classrooms. (PR)

Introduces students to biological classification by having them classify music. (PR)