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Integration of Biology and Statistics Education (IBASE): Measurements of cells and organelles in biology lab to produce large data sets that can be analyzed in statistics classes

Abstract:: This lab was designed to promote the integration of a freshman biology lab and an Applied Statistics course. Students collect data sets to be used in statistics for examples and projects, and then present their findings in biology lab. Students learn how to determine the actual size of cells using calipers for chicken eggs, microscopes with ocular micrometers for onion root cells, microscopes with digital cameras/measuring software for red and white blood cells, and rulers for measurements of organelles and bacterial cells on electron micrographs. Students are also introduced to SPSS software to be used in both classes.

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Plant Reproductive Systems: An Investigative Approach

Abstract:: This plant evolution exercise endeavors to move away from a purely observational approach to one of investigation. Students investigate the increasing use of air and animals for gamete and population dispersal that aided plant development on land. The first part of this chapter deals with a common woodland fern of the order Filicales. Students examine sporophyte and gametophyte plants, and experiment with air-borne spore release. The second part of this chapter has two main objectives dealing with the reproductive structures of angiosperms. First, students learn to recognize flower structures and variation in structural patterns. Second, students observe how floral structure and pollen size differ with two agents of pollination, wind and insects.