Some effects of maleic hydrazide on sugar beet plants.

S OF THE PAPERS PRESENTED BEFORE THE BOTANICAL TEACHING, GENERAL, MICROBIOLOGICAL, PALEOBOTANICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND SYSTEMATIC SECTIONS OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA, COLUMBUS, OHIO, SEPTEMBER 11 TO 13, 1950 BOTANICAL TEACHING SECTION (Abstracts of this section are arranged alphabetically according to author) DAVIS, DONALD E., Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn, Ala. Objectives of a general botany course in an agricultural college.-The obj ective of the first term may be divided into two categories: one is strictly utilitarian and the other is cultural. These categories are not wholly independent nor are they incompatible. These are six main objectives in the utilitarian category: (1) microscope technique and preparation of fresh mounts; (2) basic knowledge of food synthesis and utilization; (3) some understanding of the mechanism and significance of movement of materials into, within, and out of plants; (4) general understanding of plant structure and growth; (5) names and characteristics of some common trees; and (6) a minimum of terminology. The six main objectives in the cultural category are: (1) understanding of the scientific method as applied to both botany and other fields, with special emphasis on evaluation and interpretation of data, formulation of hypotheses, and what constitutes proof; (2) ability to understand cause and effect relationships as distinguished from the idea of purposeful behavior; (3) proficiency in solving new problems involving plant phenomena; (4) knowledge of both the differences and similarities between green plants and animals; (5) appreciation of the dependence of man and other animals on green plants; and (6) familiarity with names and characteristics of some common trees. Since transfer of learning can not be assumed, a constant effort must be made to show the interrelation and application of the material in this course to other courses and to everyday life. Daily lesson plans, demonstrations, and tests should all be evaluated on the basis of how much they contribute to these objectives. JOHNSON, MINNIE MAY, Stephens College, Columbia, Mo. Aerial field trips: preparation, follow-up and value.-Aerial field trips constitute a part of the regular program in the botany classes at Stephens College. Two trips are made by each student: the first in the fall at the peak of autumn coloration and the second one in the spring as the leaves begin to develop. In preparation for these trips the students are shown kodachrome slides covering the area over which they will fly. They are encouraged to "read" or interpret each of the landscapes. Just before the flight each student is given a mimeographed copy of a resume of the high points of the trip. As a follow-up, the instructor discusses the trips with small groups of students. In this evaluation use is made of a Kodak table slide viewer and a slide view box which makes it possible for the students to observe kodachrome slides of the four seasons at one time. The students are agreed that these aerial field trips are valuable experiences. By this means they get an over-all picture of the seasonal aspects of vegetation, plant habitats, plant distribution, the relationship of the topography of the soil to agriculture, soil erosion, erosion control, and the effects of strip mining. SMALL, JOHN A., New Jersey College for Women,, New Brunswick, N. J. A state park as an adjunct in teaching general botany.-Taking a This content downloaded from 40.77.167.83 on Wed, 08 Jun 2016 05:32:07 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms