To succeed, undergraduate science students need to both acquire knowledge, and learn to apply it effectively. Here a novel 1st year undergraduate module (incorporating blended learning, applied bioinformatic skills and scientific posters) is described and its effectiveness evaluated (quantitatively and qualitatively). The aims were to engage…

Citizen science is a rapidly growing emerging field in science and it is gaining importance in education. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of biology teachers who participated in a citizen science project involving observation of wild bees and identification of butterflies. In this paper,…

Taxonomic education and botany are increasingly neglected in schools and universities, leading to a "missed generation" of adults that cannot identify organisms, especially plants. This study pilots three methods for teaching identification of native plant species to forty-three adults engaged in the participatory science project…

An experiment on the action of the yeast, "Saccharomyces cerevisiae", against a fungal plant disease is proposed for secondary students (Grade 11) to support their study of organism interrelationship. This biocontrol experiment serves as the basis for discussing relationships among three organisms (red chilli fruit, "Saccharomyces cerevisiae," and…

Proposes a method in which students teach students in preference to instruction by academic staff. (Author/BB)

Conducting individual or group projects in science that are experimental in nature pose several problems for examiners. The criteria for assessing student progress could vary from one person to another. Some guidelines are discussed. (PS)

Describes a link scheme in biology between the University of Edinburgh and local state primary schools. Undergraduates reading biology or medicine are assigned for a year to schools where they help with biology projects. (Author/BB)

Historical uses of Arum maculatum (L.) are summarized. Temperature changes during spadix maturation, spathe uncurling in the presence of flower tissue, indol-3-y1 acetic acid, and gibberellic acid are investigated in the laboratory. Dilute solutions of both phytohormones cause significant spathe uncurling. Further investigations are suggested.…

Methods of investigating plant root growth developed for research purposes can be adopted for student use. Investigations of the effect of water table level and of ethylene concentration are described, and techniques of measuring root growth are explained. (Author/ML)

Describes results and experiences of four field-course experiments designed to explore the relationships between animals and their physical environment. Reports on the response of animals to flow rate of water, relationship between size and rate of locomotion, and mathematical and physical techniques used to study how animals live. (RT)

Presented is a guide for students planning to do a science project. Discussed are preliminary organizational matters, report plans, choosing topics, setting up procedures, time management, and documentation. The most important steps for producing a successful project are summarized. (CW)

Describes a number of laboratory experiments using woodlice as experimental animals. Includes topics such as physiology of water relations, behavior, and rhythmic activity. (CS)