Active learning approaches to biology teaching, including simulation-based activities, are known to enhance student learning, especially of higher-order skills; nonetheless, there are still many open questions about what features of an activity promote optimal learning. Here we designed three versions of a simulation-based tutorial called…

Inspired by the approach first employed by C.S. Holling in his classic "disc experiment," this article provides a sequence of learning activities that increase students' understanding of the mechanisms behind saturating effects in predator-prey scenarios. The proposed lesson is recommended for inclusion in courses that address…

Student interest in plants is lacking. Therefore, we investigated potential drivers of situational interest in cultivated plants and interactions between different dimensions of interest, i.e. topic, context and learning activity. A total of 462 high school students (14-17 years of age) rated two sets of questionnaire items combining eight plants…

We describe an activity that uses cards to simulate evolution. The mechanism of the evolutionary pressure in the simulation is clearly indicated for the students. This simulation is useful for allowing student experimentation by varying conditions.

The history of learning biology through distance education is documented. A review of terminology and unique problems associated with biology instruction is presented. Using published research and their own teaching experience, the authors present recommendations and best practices for managing biology in distance-based formats. They offer ideas…

Probability is an essential tool for understanding heredity and modern genetics, yet many students have difficulty with this topic due to the abstract and quantitative nature of the subject. To facilitate student learning of probability in genetics, we have developed a set of hands-on, cooperative activities that allow students to determine…

This report describes a classroom project that groups sophomore biology students into "companies" bidding for a "contract" to build a self-sufficient, enclosed city by producing a manual and model of their version of a biosphere. Students must develop technological support systems, social and economic parameters, and systems…

Discussed is the need for including Population Education in the classroom and lists several teacher resources. Many educational materials are described and include addresses and costs. (MA)

Describes an outdoor food web simulation in which 14 students role play different animals in an ecosystem. Procedures are given and sample task cards included. (MA)

Presented are ideas for the teaching of natural selection using materials related to living creatures instead of artificial models such as toothpicks. Some investigations using simple flowtanks to investigate the stability of Gryphaea shells and a simulated non-visual search for Cepaea are suggested. (Author/AJ)

Problems involved in using mark-recapture techniques for population estimating are discussed. Materials and methods using a known, restricted population of people are described. Estimates of the size of this population varied in precision and accuracy with the method and intensity of sampling. Suggestions for improvement and refinement are made.…

Describes a course in which students examined the social implications of biological research, discussed the individual's role in research and whether there is an honor code of science, and completed a simulation which involved private companies competing for a government research grant. Instructional strategies used with the exercises are…

Presents a simple activity that simulates natural selection working on random mutations through many generations. (PR)

Describes an activity to simulate the geometries of a spreading pathogen such as HIV throughout a generation. Students exchange "bodily fluids" three times and are then tested for the presence of "infection." Materials used include base solutions (NaOH or KOH), phenolphthalein (pH indicator), clear plastic cups, and an eye dropper. (PR)