Increasingly, science teachers are seeking phenomena that will allow them to explore both scientific content and socially relevant issues. The authors describe a series of lessons that (1) model the exoneration of wrongly convicted individuals using the science of DNA analysis and (2) contextualize individual cases within a larger system where…

Hands-on dissections of animals are traditionally regarded as an essential part of biology education. Nowadays, regardless of the reported educational benefits, there is a gradual change in the concept and acceptance of hands-on dissection, leading in many cases to its abandonment in schools and its replacement with alternatives such as 3D models,…

Animal dissection is practiced to varying degrees around the world and is particularly prevalent in North America throughout all levels of education. However, a growing number of studies suggest that nonanimal teaching methods (NAMs) (e.g., virtual anatomy tools and three-dimensional models) are better for achieving learning goals compared to…

A novel application of the popular web instruction architecture Blackboard Academic Suite[R] is described. The method was applied to a large number of students to assess quantitatively the accuracy of each student's laboratory skills. The method provided immediate feedback to students on their personal skill level, replaced labour-intensive…

Argues for the use of procedures known as clearing and double staining to clear soft tissues and differentially stain cartilage and bone in specimens. Describes each step of the process. (DDR)

Describes an inexpensive and convenient way to solve the problem of maintaining the proper humidity needed in incubation chambers. (JN)

Presents design and construction details of a controlled temperature heat block. Includes information about the heater block, thermistor probe, circuit board, and the housing. (DDR)

Defends cookbooks and lab manuals. Both can provide reliable procedures; are good places to start; and need not stand in the way of understanding, insight, or imagination. (MM)

Two demonstrations are described. Materials and instructions for demonstrating movement of molecules into cytoplasm using agar blocks, phenolphthalein, and sodium hydroxide are given. A simple method for demonstrating that the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to its molecular weight is also presented. (AJ)

Discusses a laboratory exercise (suitable for the day before spring vacation) involving use of a hard-boiled egg to stimulate student responses to questions on the effect of adding salt to the water, formation of iron sulfide, ease of peeling, and gas laws. Additional experiments are included. (BC)

Clearing is a simple and rapid technique in which 75 percent lactic acid is used to remove pigments and cytoplasmic contents of fresh leaves, enabling microscopic view of various internal leaf layers. Procedures for using the technique (which helps students gain a more thorough understanding of plant anatomy) are given. (DH)

Relates two experiments in a physics lab that contain percentage errors. (HOD)

Describes an experiment on heat that utilizes only a styrofoam cup of coffee and a soda straw thermometer. (BT)

Describes a demonstration that illustrates the reversibility of thermal reactions using a gas burner and copper sulfate. Explains the procedure and provides tips to guide student thinking. (DDR)

Outlines a laboratory activity which takes place at the zoo and helps make some of the important aspects of evolution more concrete. Includes the principles of adaptation, variation within a species, types of evolution, and predicting future evolutionary trends. Provides a student worksheet. (RT)