Gryphaea and cepaea—case studies for teaching selection

An approach to the teaching of natural selection in evolution using materials related to living creatures instead of artificial models such as toothpicks is described. Some investigations using simple flow tanks to investigate the stability of Gryphaea shells and a simulated non-visual searching for Cepaea are suggested for use in class practical sessions. All the designs for the investigations suggested have been tested with students and found to be workable in the relatively short practical periods available for school sixth-form and College of Education students.     

Growing mushrooms in school

The edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) can be a useful organism for school study. It can be cultivated easily and used for a range of laboratory investigations     

What Do Secondary Students Really Learn during Investigations with Living Animals? Parameters for Effective Learning with Social Insects

Exemplary for social insects, Temnothorax ants allow for various hands-on investigations in biology classes. The aim of this study was to provide a quantitative and qualitative analysis of secondary school students’ learning achievement after teaching units with ants lasting between one and six weeks. The questionnaires included transfer and factual knowledge tasks divided into eight fields of knowledge. Students (N = 459) from 22 classes participated in the study and received different treatments: The experimental group (n = 366) started their investigations by initial observation using stereo microscopes, while the control group (n = 93) conducted ant research without this introductory teaching unit. We investigated the influence of class level, gender and time period of participation on knowledge acquisition. Independent of class level, factual learning achievement was observed for all fields of knowledge except ecology. We did not find a positive correlation between time period of participation and basic ant knowledge acquisition. The findings suggest that ant research may be implemented within the framework of a progressive curriculum for all secondary school students. However, attentive and detailed observation of ant colonies with stereo microscopes and continuous repetition of technical terms seem to be inevitable preconditions for learning achievement.     

The Mathematical Basis of Mendelian Genetics

In a climate where increasing numbers of students are encouraged to pursue post-secondary education, the level of preparedness students have for college-level coursework is not far from the minds of all educators, especially high school teachers. Specifically within the biological sciences, introductory biology classes often serve as the gatekeeper or a pre-requisite for subsequent coursework in those fields and pre-professional programmes (eg pre-medicine or pre-veterinarian). Thus, how helpful high school science and mathematics experiences are in preparing students for their introductory biology classes is important and relevant for teachers, science educators and policy makers alike. This quantitative study looked at the association between students' high school science and mathematics experiences with introductory college biology performance. Using a nationally representative sample of US students (n?=?2667) enrolled in 33 introductory college biology courses, a multi-level statistical model was developed to analyse the association between high school educational experiences and the final course grade in introductory biology courses. Advanced high school science and mathematics coursework, an emphasis on a deep conceptual understanding of biology concepts and a prior knowledge of concepts addressed in well-structured laboratory investigations are all positively associated with students' achievement in introductory college biology.     

Assessing Parent Perceptions of School Fit: The Development and Measurement Qualities of a Survey Scale

Students whose school environment fits their developmental needs also typically experience academic success and increased motivation. Most investigations of school fit, which focus on teachers’ and students’ perceptions, have found a general decline in fit across the transition from elementary to middle school. However, little research has examined the school-child fit from the parent perspective. In this article, we first detail the development process behind a new survey measure of parent perceptions of school fit. Second, using three online panel-based samples of parents from across the country (n₁ = 323, n₂ = 188, n₃ = 1,033), we evaluate the scale's measurement properties and conduct exploratory analyses examining grade-level and income-based differences on reported school fit. Finally, in line with previous research, we find that parents of middle school children perceived statistically significantly worse fit than parents of elementary school children. Among parents of high school students, we found that, on average, high-income parents perceive statistically significantly better fit than low-income parents.     

Development of the ecological trend in Soviet helminthology by the scientific school of A. A. Sobolev

The school of Professor A. A. Sobolev (1904-1966) which was formed in the city of Gorky represents one of the branches of Academician K. I. Skrjabin's helminthological school. The scientists belonging to this school were the first to begin wide investigations in the ecology of helminths. Evolution of scientific themes of the school allows the ways and regularities of ecological investigations of helminthology in the USSR to be revealed.     

Critical realism,agency and sickle cell: case studies of young people with sickle cell disorder at school

Critical realism suggests that historical structures may operate as underlying generative mechanisms but not always be activated. This explains the near-absence of references to racism by black students with sickle cell disorder (SCD). Through case studies we show how latent mechanisms are not activated, and how social actors come to develop corporate agency. Themes discussed include: wider/historical racisms (carers' own experiences of overt racism at school); conscious actions (moving away from a school where racism was experienced); awareness of anticipatory retaliation (multiculturalism as a form of societal inoculation against accusations of racism); naming racism as an emergent strategy (when communal discussions enable multiple negative experiences to be framed and named as racism); and ‘passing’ (not ostensibly experiencing racism if one is sufficiently light-skinned). Critical realism suggests how racism may be structuring the experiences of students with SCD at school even in the absence of specific accounts by young people.     

Morphological and behavioral variation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rasbora paviei</Emphasis> (Cyprinidae,Cypriniformes) from lotic and limnic habitats (Central Vietnam)

Morphological and behavioral traits of Rasbora paviei from river and lake environments are studied. For investigations, the fish were caught from the middle reaches of the Cai River and from the inshore zone of the Kam Lam Reservoir (Khanh Hoa Province, Central Vietnam). Phenotypic differences are found in river and lake fish groups. Experimentally, differences in tactics and efficiency of defensive behavior are found in specimens from different habitats in the presence of a predator—Lepisosteus sp. (Lepisosteidae). In river specimens of Rasbora, the defensive reaction is more efficient in comparison with specimens from the reservoir. The river specimens of Rasbora used predominantly the tactics of group defense from the predator and stayed in a school longer than the lake specimens.     

Changes in growth and sleep across school nights,weekends and a winter holiday period in two Australian schools

Studies suggest that there may be an association between sleep and growth; however, the relationship is not well understood. Changes in biology and external factors such as school schedule heavily impact the sleep of adolescents, during a critical phase for growth. This study assessed the changes in sleep across school days, weekends and school holidays, while also measuring height and weight changes, and self-reported alterations in food intake and physical activity. The impact of morningness–eveningness (M-E) on height change and weight gain was also investigated. In a sample of 63 adolescents (mean age = 13.13, SD = 0.33, 31 males) from two independent schools in South Australia, height and weight were measured weekly for 4 weeks prior to the school holidays and 4 weeks after the school holidays. Participants also completed a Morningness/Eveningness Scale and 7-day sleep, diet and physical activity diaries prior to, during and after the school holidays. Participants at one school had earlier wake times during the weekends than participants attending the other school, leading to a significantly shorter sleep duration on weekends for those participants. Regardless of school, sleep was significantly later and longer during the holidays (p < 0.001) and those with a stronger morning preference fell asleep (F_18,36 = 3.4, p = 0.001) and woke (F_18,44 = 2.0, p = 0.027) earlier than evening types. Growth rate was lower during the holiday weeks. For those attending the school with limited sleep in opportunities, growth after the holidays was lower for those with greater evening preference, whereas for those at the other school, growth was greater for those with greater evening preference. The increase in average weight from pre- to post-holidays was greater for those attending the school with limited opportunities to sleep longer. Participants reported greater food intake during the holidays compared to school days and greater physical activity levels on weekends compared to school days, and school days compared to holidays. Results suggest that time of day preference may impact growth, with evening types who cannot sleep in growing at a slower rate than evening types who can or morning types. This may be related to sleep restriction. Despite sleep being both later and longer during the school holidays, participants’ growth slowed during the holiday period. It is possible that this may be a reflection of other behavioural changes in the holidays (increased food intake and reduced physical activity), as sleep timing during the school period was related to growth.     

The Monkey and the Hunter

Learning about the water situation in other regions of the world and the devastating effects of floods on drinking water helps students study science while learning about global water quality. This article provides science activities focused on developing cultural awareness and understanding how local water resources are integrally linked to the quality of the world's water supply. After reading and discussing a case study highlighting one water situation facing the people of Kenya, students explore water sanitation and testing methods, including solar pasteurization and the Colilert test for total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli. These investigations are relevant to inquiry-based water quality labs for high school biology, chemistry, and environmental science.     

Pimpinella rhomboidea var. tenuiloba is a synonym of Melanosciadium bipinnatum (Apiaceae)

Based on field investigations, as well as investigation of relevant specimens, Pimpinella rhomboidea var. tenuiloba is shown to be conspecific with Melanosciadium bipinnatum. The distribution and habitat of M. bipinnatum is redescribed and notes on the taxonomy of the species are presented.     

Active transportation to school over 2 years in relation to weight status and physical activity

Objective: To prospectively examine potential benefits of active commuting to school on measures of weight status and physical activity in a sample of youth. Research Methods and Procedures: A cohort of students from seven elementary schools was measured four times—in the fall and spring of fourth grade (N = 1083) and fifth grade (N = 924). Participants were classified as active (walking, biking, or skateboarding to school almost every day for baseline analyses or at least 2 d/wk for analyses of consistent active commuting) or non‐active commuters to school. Accelerometers were used to measure physical activity. Height, weight, and skinfolds were objectively assessed. Results: Boys who actively commuted to school had lower BMI (p < 0.01) and skinfolds (p < 0.05) than non‐active commuters to school in the fourth grade. Active commuting to school over 2 years was not associated with BMI change or overweight status. Discussion: Walking and cycling to school may contribute to preventing excessive weight gain, or leaner children may walk or cycle to school.     

Inner Speech And The Processes of Grammatical Generation of Utterances

The present article contains no ultimate truths. As indicated in the title, the author's aim is to present, on the basis of presently available data, a few hypotheses concerning socalled "inner speech" in order to provide a foundation for experimental investigations. These hypotheses have as their premise the general conception of processes of speech generation that is current in contemporary Soviet psychology, in particular, in L. S. Vygotsky's school, as well as in another school of Soviet physiology of higher nervous activity associated with the name of N. A. Bernshteyn. However, these hypotheses are not, in principle, incompatible with certain other theories of verbal activity (verbal behavior); indeed, as will be evident later, they are partially based on material accumulated with the aid of these theories.     

国际基因工程机器大赛高中赛道发展概况

国际基因工程机器大赛(international genetically engineered machine competition,简称iGEM竞赛)是合成生物学国际顶级大学生学术竞赛。iGEM竞赛赛况及项目成果受到Science、Nature、Scientific American、The Economist、英国广播公司(BBC)等顶级学术期刊或国际媒体的关注,具有广泛的国际影响力。吸引了来自世界40多个国家和地区的队伍参赛。2011年起开始有高中队参赛,参赛队伍数量逐年增加,高中生日益成为推动iGEM竞赛及合成生物学发展的重要力量之一,iGEM竞赛也成为培养中学生核心素养的重要平台。基于2017–2021年全球高中队参赛情况,本文总结了高中队赛道规则、选题倾向及获奖情况,进一步分析iGEM竞赛对高中生核心素养培养的意义,探究全球高中参赛队伍的发展趋势,为未来高中参赛队伍建设提供理论参考。     

Phytochemistry of heather (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Calluna vulgaris</Emphasis> (L.) Hull) and its altitudinal alteration

Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull (heather) is the only species within the genus Calluna (Ericaceae). It is a dominant species of heather communities and can be found in most parts of Europe and Northern America from lowland up to alpine regions. Common heather is traditionally used to treat urinary tract disturbances and inflammatory related disorders. This review covers the current knowledge on phytochemical investigations of C. vulgaris which revealed a complex pattern of flavonoid glycosides including acetylated compounds as well as other classes of phenolics (chromones, procyanidins and simple phenols). Recently, an acetophenone (rodiolinozide) was identified. C. vulgaris occurs in habitats comprising several altitudinal zones which makes it an attractive species to study the variation of its metabolic profiles in wild populations growing under different climatic conditions. Within phenolic compounds, flavonols showed significant differences in samples collected at different altitudes with increased levels of quercetin glycosides at higher altitudes whereas no significant correlation could be found for caffeoyl quinic acids and the dihydroflavonol glycoside callunin. Expanding such investigations to different species and different geographical areas should give a more accurate picture of suitable marker compounds within the group of phenolics in order to detect adaptive processes in high altitude plants. Furthermore, investigations on the specific patterns of phenolics at cellular and subcellular level and their variation due to factors like enhanced solar radiation and low temperature should be expanded.     

Aggregations in flatworms

A school project to investigate aggregations in flatworms is described. It was found by a series of simple experiments that the formation of aggregations in the flatworm, Polycelis nigra, was influenced by light intensity, temperature, and some form of chemical stimulus released by already aggregating flatworms. Such investigations could be adapted to suit many levels of school practical work.     

Chytrid Blinders: What Other Disease Risks to Amphibians Are We Missing?

Amphibian declines are occurring on a global scale, and infectious disease has been implicated as a factor in some species. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been associated with amphibian declines and/or extinctions in many locations, however, few of the studies have actually performed detailed pathological investigations to link the emergence of the disease with mortality rates large enough to cause the declines. Many studies are based solely on the presence of infection, not disease, because of the reliance on molecular tests for Bd. The emphasis of the importance of Bd combined with easy molecular tests has resulted in poor investigations into amphibian mortality and declines in many areas. The line between infection and disease has been blurred, and a step back to basic pathological and biological investigations is needed as other disease risks to amphibians, such as ranaviruses, are likely being missed. In this article, starting points for proper investigative techniques for amphibian mortalities and declines are identified and areas that need to be improved, especially communication between biologist and veterinarians involved in amphibian disease research, are suggested. It is hoped that this will start a much needed discussion in the area and lead to some consensus building about methodologies used in amphibian disease research.     

Spemann's heritage in Finnish developmental biology

The Finnish school of developmental biology can be considered a direct descendant of Spemann's school as both the original technology and the fundamental problems were introduced into Finland by Gunnar Ekman (1883-1937) who had worked for extended periods in Germany. After his early death, the work was continued by Sulo Toivonen (1909-1995), and until 1968 the group explored the mechanisms of primary induction and the subsequent segregation of the central nervous system. The extensive investigations led to the formulation of the "double-gradient" hypothesis and ultimately to its experimental vindication.     

Microbiological Studies of Coli-aerogenes Bacteria

During investigations on the metabolisms of glucose by coli-aerogenes bacteria, it was found that the bacteria accumulated a large amount of α-ketoglutaric acid under aerobic conditions such as shaking culture, while lactic acid was ascertained to be produced anaerobically by the bacteria as was already known.     

Selection of distiller's yeasts with particular respect to non-saccharomyces strains

The investigations demonstrate that in addition to Saccharomyces also strains Candida and Hansenula can be used for ethanol production. Their efficiences are at the standard level and the first phase of fermentation is considerably accelerated with results in suppression of bacterial contamination in cold mashing. In the future efficiency optimisations will be expected based on mixed strain populations as well as on technological improvement. Furthermore, genetic modifications present actually a real prospect to secure “made-to-measure” strains for special processes of corn mash fermentation.