We redesigned the undergraduate introductory biology course by writing a new textbook ("Integrating Concepts in Biology" ["ICB"]) that follows first principles of learning. Our approach emphasizes primary data interpretation and the utility of mathematics in biology, while de-emphasizing memorization. This redesign divides biology into five big…

Outlines the evolution of thinking and the development of materials related to the biological component of the Science Education Project. Examines the context of the project within Southern African society and its relationship to curriculum development theory. Discusses possible models for the dissemination of knowledge. (RT)

We transformed our first-year curriculum in biology with a new course, Biological Inquiry, in which greater than 50% of all incoming, first-year students enroll. The course replaced a traditional, content-driven course that relied on outdated approaches to teaching and learning. We diversified pedagogical practices by adopting guided inquiry in…

The manuscript outlines the impact that our National Science Foundation Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences program, BioMaPS, has had on the students and faculty at Murray State University. This interdisciplinary program teams mathematics and biology undergraduate students with mathematics and…

Funded by innovative programs at the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Richmond faculty in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science teamed up to offer first- and second-year students the opportunity to contribute to vibrant, interdisciplinary research projects. The result was…

Describes the four major phases of a science project to create a school-site native plant habitat: (1) planning the habitat area; (2) constructing the habitat; (3) writing the related curriculum; and (4) providing inservice programs to other interested science teachers. (MDH)

Describes how adaptation projects are used to produce BSCS materials specifically designed for the local flora, fauna, educational system, biological problems and culture of other countries. (BR)

INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS IMPLEMENTING BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM STUDY (BSCS) BIOLOGY IN THE SCHOOL PROGRAM IS INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE. THE RATIONALE AND CONTENT OF THE BSCS VERSIONS ARE EXPLAINED. PHYSICAL FACILITIES, LABORATORY EQUIPMENT, AND LABORATORY MATERIALS THAT FACILITATE TEACHING BSCS BIOLOGY ARE ANALYZED. ADMINISTRATIVE…

Compares curriculum project adoption figures derived from examination entries with figures derived from questionnaires in an attempt to place the questionnaire returns in perspective and give an indication of the confidence which may be placed in them. (GS)

There are differences between experienced BSCS biology teachers and those beginning to use BSCS, with respect to the ranking of objectives in order of importance and in the estimation of the ease of achieving the objectives. There is a disparity between the teachers' priorities and their expectations of achieving the objectives. (AL)

Presents views on the Australian version of American biological science materials developed as a part of the science course improvement project movement. The article serves as an introduction to the collection of papers, contained in this journal issue, from a seminar on biology and its place in school education. (PB)

Describes the origin of "The Web of Life," as an Australian adaptation of the BSCS materials. Reviews various aspects of the influence of these materials on Australian secondary school biology since 1964. (CS)

This issue of Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Newsletter reports on several activities in which the BSCS group is engaged. A progress report includes information about revised publications, films and slides, activities abroad, and summer institutes. A progress report of the program for mentally handicapped students is included.…

Discusses formative evaluation (those evaluation activities carried out while a curriculum is still being developed) and relates this to the development of the Individualized Science (IS) program at the University of Pittsburgh. (PEB)