This is the second of a two-part integrated unit for teaching young children about trees and forests. In the first part, the authors presented activities to sharpen sensory awareness of trees. Here they present activities for examining the biological processes of trees and the ecological importance of forests. (LZ)

This photosynthesis exercise is intended for introductory college biology or botany courses. It is based on the principle that a closed suspension of algal cells may be expected to produce more dissolved oxygen with a greater photon fluence rate, but within limits of the photosynthetic capacity of the system. Describes materials and methods. (LZ)

The author describes relationships between the fungi called mycorrhizae and plants. Describes the classes of mycorrhizae and the importance of such fungi in plant growth. Presents clear micrographs of the fungi and their interactions with plant root cells. Provides technological applications of mycorrhizae in agriculture and discusses problems…

Describes the life cycle of the Amaryllis plant from bulb to blossom. Suggests 12 activities in which students monitor plant growth, examine plant parts, make drawings of the plant, and eat flowers of other plants. (MDH)

Described is the Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) in which a team of tropical biologists are able to get to remote, uncharted sites in the tropics and conduct surveys very quickly. The team uses satellite imagery, aerial reconnaissance, and field surveys to produce an inventory of species found in these areas. (KR)

Consumer chemistry projects using houseplant fertilizers are described. Background information on fertilizer elements and different brands are discussed. The procedures for the activities (reading fertilizer labels, calculating the cost of various fertilizers, and calculating the amount of nitrogen in solution) are included. (KR)

Describes symbiosis and its significance in the day-to-day lives of plants and animals. Gives specific examples of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism in the relationships among fungus and plant roots, animals and bacteria, birds and animals, fish, and predator and prey. (MDH)

Describes the effects of thigmomorphogenesis, the mechanical stimulation of plants, and how to engage biology students in a study of this unusual plant response. Focuses on an exploration of the effect of wind on a particular plant variety. (DDR)

Discusses practical work which can be completed in a few hours that enables students to explore the genetics of the dandelion plant, which reproduces asexually. Dandelions, measuring instruments, and student imagination are needed for this activity. (DDR)

Details the teaching of an undergraduate plant-cell biology class in the manner proposed by Jean Baptiste Carnoy when he established the first institute of cellular biology. Integrates mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Contains 226 references. (DDR)

Summarizes a debate over biology education that took place during a symposium sponsored by the School Science and Mathematics editors in 1908. The six published symposium contributions were meant to address such questions as whether zoology, botany, and human physiology should be studied in one biology course, and what the general purposes for…

Suggests activities for studying the variety of life forms found and the interaction of living things during a class trip to the beach. (WRM)

Presents ideas for investigating fruits and vegetables with 5- and 6-year-old children. Activities allow children to explore the characteristics and classification of fruits and vegetables. (WRM)

Details laboratory procedures that enable students to understand the concept of how differences in water potential drive the movement of water within a plant in response to transpiration. Students compare transpiration rates for upper and lower surfaces of leaves. (DDR)

Describes a project in which teachers concentrate on providing hands-on learning and work with students to build a nature center. Students participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of the project. (DDR)