Support for long-term classroom planning and professional development. Information covering important topics for today's educators and parents. The January 1996 issue presents two articles to enhance teaching biology in the classroom. The first article describes a lesson plan, entitled Murder in the Classroom, that aims to increase students' awareness of connections between biology and the real world. This goal is accomplished by having students use laboratory skills to solve a murder staged by the teacher.
Students solve the mystery by analyzing samples of hair, plants, and blood smears.
The lesson includes background information on forensics and lists objectives for students and materials needed. The second article provides detailed instructions for maintaining green iguanas in the classroom. In addition to diet, housing, and handling tips, the articles suggests some classroom activities that have students observer the iguana's reactions to different stimuli, chart its growth over time, and examine iguana feces under a microscope. It also provides prices and availability for ordering reptile supplies. Both articles include bibliographic references.