Using a Combined Approach of Guided Inquiry & Direct Instruction to Explore How Physiology Affects Behavior

2014 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 595-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika T. Machtinger

Hands-on activities with live organisms allow students to actively explore scientific investigation. Here, I present activities that combine guided inquiry with direct instruction and relate how nutrition affects the physiology and behavior of the common housefly. These experiments encourage student involvement in the formulation of experimental design, promoting engagement in the learning process. These activities are suitable for both postsecondary education and high school classroom settings and highlight National Science Education Standards, particularly by promoting inquiry-based learning and communicating science explanations.

2012 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
pp. 613-618
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Venditti ◽  
Cynthia A. Surmacz

In this guided inquiry, students explore the complex hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle using inexpensive ovulation and pregnancy detection kits that are readily available over the counter. This hands-on activity engages students in the practice of doing science as highlighted by the National Science Education Standards. The laboratory approach described is an effective alternative or complement to traditional lecture presentations of this challenging topic. The laboratory activities described are appropriate for both college and high school students, as reproductive physiology is covered in a wide variety of curricula.


2012 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 445-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Richardson ◽  
Scott L. Richardson ◽  
David G. Hall

Scientists researching biological control should engage in education because translating research programs into classroom activities is a pathway to increase scientific literacy among students. Classroom activities focused on biological control target all levels of biological organization and can be cross-disciplinary by drawing from subject areas such as ecology, molecular biology, physiology, and chemistry. We evaluate published “how-to” biological-control activities to determine whether they meet National Science Education Standards and use a constructivist pedagogical approach. We also provide an example classroom activity developed from our research that scientists can use as a template to develop their science-education activities.


2010 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 301-304
Author(s):  
Steven R. Strain ◽  
Jerry G. Chmielewski

The National Science Education Standards prescribe that an understanding of the importance of classifying organisms be one component of a student's educational experience in the life sciences. The use of a classification scheme to identify organisms is one way of addressing this goal. We describe Conifer ID, a computer application that assists students in the identification of conifers without requiring prior specific knowledge. Conifer ID promotes careful observational skills and presents students with visual aids during the identification to overcome some of the weaknesses of more traditional identification methods.


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