A way in which to shift the focus away from lecture and the professor during class time to student-centered discussion groups is presented. An exercise used in a course on chemical process analysis that uses the group discussion method is included. (KR)

Spreadsheets are well suited to many geochemical calculations, especially those that are highly repetitive. Some of the kinds of problems that can be conveniently solved with spreadsheets include elemental abundance calculations, equilibrium abundances in nuclear decay chains, and isochron calculations. (Author/PR)

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)

Described are four musical instruments constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The use of computerized synthesizers to play scales and chords is discussed. Suggestions for other illustrations of acoustics are included. (CW)

Explained is the effect produced by an optics toy which uses two concave mirrors to produce an illusion. Formulas and calculations used in the explanation are detailed. (CW)

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)

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)

Describes experiments by Thomas A. Knight on geotropism. These experiments took place about 200 years ago and used a centrifuge. (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)

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

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