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Despite many interventions, science education remains highly inequitable throughout the world. Internet-enabled experimental learning has the potential to reach underserved communities and increase the diversity of the scientific workforce. Here, we demonstrate the use of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies to expose Latinx life science undergraduate students to introductory concepts of computer programming by taking advantage of open-loop cloud-integrated LoCs. We developed a context-aware curriculum to train students at over 8000 km from the experimental site. Through this curriculum, the students completed an assignment testing bacteria contamination in water using LoCs. We showed that this approach was sufficient to reduce the students' fear of programming and increase their interest in continuing careers with a computer science component. Altogether, we conclude that LoC-based internet-enabled learning can become a powerful tool to train Latinx students and increase the diversity in STEM.

Prior work has shown that many undergraduate students have misconceptions about genetic inheritance, even after they take genetics courses. Visual representations, such as pedigree diagrams, are commonly used in genetics instruction, and they help students quickly visualize the phenotypes of multiple generations. In Study 1, we examined whether presenting a pedigree diagram of a wolf’s eye color in a rich and realistic manner (i.e., with rich perceptual images that resemble real animals) or in an abstract manner (i.e., with circles and squares representing animals) would help undergraduates learn from a brief, online lesson on inheritance of the wolf’s eye color, and whether they would transfer what they learned when reasoning about eye color in other species (near transfer) and other traits in other species (mid- and far transfer). Counter to our hypothesis, students transferred more with the rich diagram. In Study 2, we compared the rich diagram from Study 1 to a perceptually bland diagram (i.e., with color and textural features removed). There were no differences in students’ learning or transfer between the diagrams. These results suggest that realistic elements that are attention grabbing and easily interpretable by students can be beneficial for transfer in online lessons.

Background: Developing evolutionary literacy is an important component of post-secondary students' education and is a primary goal for evolution educators. However, as obstacles exist to students' acceptance of evolution, more information needs to be obtained about what type of evidence students find compelling (or do not) that supports evolution to explain the diversity of life on Earth. Using the lens of conceptual ecologies, this study aimed to determine what lines of evidence senior university biology students found compelling. We examined six semesters of Pre-Post survey data taken at the beginning and end of the semester from 2014 to 2021 to categorize the types of evidence students claimed to find compelling. Results: We identified seven categories of evidence that senior university biology students found compelling: New from Old, Comparative Biology, Structural Homology, Demonstration of Natural Section, Adaptation, Molecular Biology, and Not Convinced. A Chi-Square test of Independence indicated a significant difference in the categories that were most frequently discussed between the Pre- and Post surveys. Demonstration of Natural Selection had the highest percentage of student responses in the Pre-survey, while Molecular Biology ranked the highest in the Post. We parsed out the particular types of evidence nested within the Molecular Biology category to see which students found more compelling in the Post-survey. We also found that participation in a one-semester course decreased the percentage of students who answered Not Convinced from Pre to Post every semester. Conclusions: Results from this study can offer suggestions for evolution education, such as including more examples of Molecular Biology evolution, as students found this category most compelling in the Post-survey. These types of examples can be used throughout evolution courses or focused on more deeply to support student understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical modeling is a fundamental aspect of synthetic biology, enabling precise design and analysis of biological systems. To enhance students' understanding of this critical topic, we developed a series of webinars aimed at teaching mathematical modeling to iGEM teams. These webinars were initially created to maintain student engagement during a period of restricted lab access but quickly demonstrated their value as an effective educational tool. The success of these webinars highlighted the suitability of mathematical modeling as a topic well-suited to both onsite and online learning environments. Recognizing this, we expanded the content into a comprehensive syllabus for undergraduate courses in synthetic biology at the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia in Spain and Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas--ESPE in Ecuador. The course now serves as a core component of synthetic biology education, offering students a robust framework for understanding and applying mathematical models. It includes a series of lectures, practical exercises, and case studies, all designed to deepen students' knowledge and skills in this essential area. To support educators and students, we have also developed a deck of slides and example scripts that provide practical examples and reinforce the concepts taught in the course. This manuscript presents the development, implementation, and impact of these educational initiatives, demonstrating how mathematical modeling can be effectively integrated into synthetic biology curricula to prepare students for real-world challenges in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of the use of digital storytelling on academic achievement, critical thinking dispositions, co-regulation, and narrative skills of 10th grade students. To this end, the study was conducted using a semi-experimental design with a convenience sample. The participants consisted of 64 students (33 in experimental and 31 in control group) who were studying in a high school. After the groups were trained, a two-week pilot study was conducted by forming collaborative groups among the students. This was followed by eight weeks of main implementation, during which students presented their projects to the class every two weeks. Following the digital story presentations in the experimental group, feedback was provided by the course instructor and peers. In addition, rubric scores were generated by the researchers for each digital story. Academic achievement test, critical thinking disposition scale, co-regulatory skills scale, and digital story evaluation rubric were used as data collection tools at the end of the process. Independent samples t-test, repeated ANOVA, and regression analysis were performed on the collected data. According to the results, digital story activities had moderate positive effects on students' academic achievement and critical thinking, and high positive effects on co-regulation. In addition, the narrative skills of the students in the experimental group increased significantly over the weeks with a difference of 27.44 points. There was also evidence that storytelling ability was a significant predictor of academic achievement and that this ability increased significantly over the weeks. The results showed that the collaborative creation of a digital story by the students had a positive effect on their academic achievement and the development of their skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic biology is a growing field with an increasing number of successful applications. Yet, synthetic biology (SynBio) education initiatives are underreported and disconnected from each other. In this review we survey the literature on SynBio education and stratify this body of work into three categories: classroom activities, course designs, and program-level curriculaplanning. For each category, we discuss the methods used to assess students' experiences and achievement of learning objectives. Throughout, we identify trends and opportunities for further development in SynBio education. We determined that the design of low-cost education kits is a growing opportunity to support student learning at the level of classroom activities. In support of that work, we present a mapping of published education kits onto Bloom's taxonomy, taking into account increasing accumulation of knowledge through continued experience. We further found that project-based learning is used widely and has proven effective in course designs. To facilitate such activities, we provide a high-level guide for the conversion of a didactic course into a project-based learning course. Further, we note that, currently, programs are delivered primarily at the graduate level, taking inspiration from traditional degree programs while incorporating interdisciplinary training. Finally, we find that design-based research may provide an effective framework for an iterative, mixed-method study design. To support such efforts, we provide a schematic overview of design-based research and its application to a learning progression for interdisciplinary skills. We conclude with a discussion of specific learning concepts that may be useful to SynBio educators and education researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discipline-based education research—a field of research that investigates teaching and learning within STEM disciplines—has emerged over the last few decades to improve the quality of STEM education worldwide. Simple qualitative questions concerning the career backgrounds and motivations of the individuals who conduct this research have yet to be explored. Here, we surveyed and interviewed discipline-based education researchers about their career trajectories and motivations to pursue this field of research. We focused specifically on recruiting biology education research faculty members at colleges and universities. We used the Social Influence Model and Social Cognitive Career Theory to develop and analyze survey and semi-structured interview questions. Findings revealed participant career paths all began with disciplinary undergraduate and graduate-level biology education. We noticed participants began conducting biology education research due to their values and personal interests, while additionally being swayed by contextual factors. Specifically, participants valued biology education research because it allowed them to make a difference in the world and provided them with a community open to change and collaboration. Biology education research allowed them to explore their interests in teaching and evidence-based approaches to education. These values and interests were impacted by contextual factors, including discoveries of opportunities, positive (or negative) experiences with mentorship, exposure to evidence-based teaching literature, considerations of salary and job security, and experiences with gender-based discrimination. Our results underscore the importance of harnessing individual values and interests—especially those centered on evidence-based teaching practices and making a difference in the world—while fostering a positive and supportive academic environment. This research reveals pathways toward discipline-based education research careers. Additionally, this research can inform the development of graduate programs and funding opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is commonly employed in biology classes to facilitate students' comprehensive comprehension of biological processes and enable them to see living phenomena. The purpose of the study was to explore the use of ICT in enhancing the teaching and learning process of biology in the secondary schools of Bangladesh. In our study, sequential explanatory mixed method design has been followed. Data was collected from purposively selected ten secondary schools of Dhaka city. The study reveals that teachers have a positive attitude towards incorporating ICT in biology lessons and possess operational understanding of data processing tools and online browsing. Nevertheless, it also emphasizes the fact that teachers are devoid of personal computers in their houses and have restricted availability to school computers. Furthermore, the existing curriculum and teachers' guides lack adequate instructions for integrating ICT into biology lectures. The study also suggests that the process of developing ICT-based curriculum is complicated, which deters teachers from incorporating ICT into their classes. Furthermore, there is a limited availability of educational materials related to ICT in the Bangla language. This study recommends continuous in-servicing training on ICT to teachers, interest free loan to teachers for purchasing laptops, developing interactive biology educational ICT contents in Bangla and include specific instructions in the curriculum and teachers' guide on how to use ICT in biology classes. These findings have important implications for policy makers, educators, and researchers who are dedicated to expanding the use of ICT in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to assess the Biotechnology Encyclopedia's suitability as a learning resource for Biotechnology students, involving material, design, and learning experts. Developed using the ADDIE model, the study included sixth-semester students from the Biology Education Program at Medan State University. Sampling involved 56 students selected through simple random sampling. Data collection utilized questionnaires, tests, and interviews, analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Material and design experts rated the encyclopedia positively but suggested minor revisions, with 72% and 86% respectively in the "good" and "very good" categories. Similarly, learning experts and lecturer responses were in the "very good" category at 94% and 85% respectively. Student responses were overwhelmingly positive, with 87% in the "very good" category without revisions. T-test results showed a significant difference in scientific literacy abilities between the experimental and control classes (9.344 > 2.002), indicating the effective impact of the Biotechnology Encyclopedia based on scientific literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of school curricula to public understanding and acceptance of evolution is still mostly unknown, due to the scarcity of studies that compare the learning goals present in different curricula. To overcome this lack of data we analysed 19 school curricula (18 European and one from Israel) to study the differences regarding the inclusion of learning goals targeting evolution understanding. We performed a quantitative content analysis using the Framework for the Assessment of school Curricula on the presence of Evolutionary concepts (FACE). For each country/region we analysed what this educational system considered the minimum evolution education a citizen should get. Our results reveal that: (i) the curricula include less than half of the learning goals considered important for scientific literacy in evolution; (ii) the most frequent learning goals address basic knowledge of evolution; (iii) learning goals related with the processes that drive evolution are often not included or rarely mentioned; (iv) evolution is most often not linked to its applications in everyday life. These results highlight the need to rethink evolution education across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The K to 12 program in the Philippines, initiated in 2012, brought about challenges like job mismatch among senior high school (SHS) graduates. Addressing this issue requires integrating technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) skills with core subject skills, particularly in biology. This study explores how the career-focused teaching approach (CFTA) nurtures biology-technical-vocational-fused skills (BTVFS). Using a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, two grade 11 classes (35 students each) participated-one exposed to CFTA and the other to conventional teaching. Quantitative data from a researcher-made BTVFS questionnaire were analyzed with an independent samples t-test, revealing significant differences in all BTVFS subcomponents; t(68)=3.670, p<0.036. Qualitative data from reflective journals aligned with BTVFS subskills (metacognition, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration). CFTA proved instrumental in enhancing the BTVFS of students, emphasizing its importance in the curriculum across SHS core subjects to mitigate job mismatch for K to 12 graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global literacy is a crucial ability to maintain the world's peace. Several studies show that demographic factors influence the development of a person's competence. However, the influence of demographic factors on global literacy has not yet been explored, especially in high school students. This research was conducted to determine the factors that most influence students' global literacy in biology learning. The factors used in this research are gender, school profile (public or private school), and interest in learning biology. This study used a cross-sectional survey design with 2,759 students participating. Students' global literacy was analyzed from a questionnaire of four aspects: exploration, communication, using the internet, and act for society. This study found that all the proposed factors influence students' global literacy, but the factor that has the most dominant influence is the school profile. This research provides a new view regarding the influence of demographic factors on students' global literacy. The government and related parties can use these results to design effective learning innovations to develop students' global literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research that has been carried out is intended to produce student worksheets, which in Indonesian are abbreviated as LKPD. for Biology Learning based on Kerinci local wisdom, which is integrated with the Discovery Learning model on biodiversity material. This research is development research using the 4D model. The subject of this research is the class used in class X SMAN 2 Kerinci which consists of small group trials (9 people) and product trials (33 people). The data collection instrument in this research was a questionnaire where, at the development stage, the student worksheets were validated by material experts and design experts and assessed through responses from biology subject teachers. The data analysis technique used in this research uses a Likert scale. The research results show that material expert validation, with a percentage of 88.33%, is in the very good category. Furthermore, the design validation results are with a percentage of 98.33% in the very good category. The research results also showed that biology teachers responded to the developed student worksheets with a percentage of 87.50% in the "very good" category. The results of the small group trial of students were 76.62% in the "good" category, while the results of the large group trial were 80.37% in the "very good" category. Based on the results of validation and field trials, the LKPD based on Kerinci local wisdom, which is integrated with the Discovery Learning learning model on biodiversity material, is good and suitable for application in biology learning, especially on biodiversity material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this qualitative case study we examined the impact of a specially-designed classroom intervention for a group of 15–16-year-old Dutch biology students' use of values in contemplating five socioscientific issues in the human-nature context. The students worked in small groups to support various aspects of their morality. An ethical matrix was used as a heuristic to explore different arguments and moral values from different perspectives. The collected data consisted of written assignments, group conversations, and individual interviews. The results show that students' use of values differed from one issue to another. The values they used in their moral decision-making indicated that the influence of the intervention activities, aimed at enhancing a relationship between moral agent (student) and moral object (topic), was limited. The study provides evidence that the intervention positively conduced to students' cognition of the values that are personally relevant. Recommendations for further theorization, research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students are encouraged to develop a set of scientific skills and disciplinary practices common across the STEM disciplines. These skills (scientific inquiry, quantitative skills, laboratory and computational skills, communication skills, teamwork/interpersonal skills, interdisciplinary competency) are highlighted as important in discipline-based guiding documents—biology (Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education: A Call to Action), chemistry (American Chemical Society Guidelines and Evaluation Procedures for Bachelor's Degree Programs), and mathematics (A Common Vision for Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences Programs in 2025)—for undergraduate teaching of biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and for the professional success of STEM college graduates. To promote interdisciplinary teaching and learning of STEM, we present a comprehensive comparison of the different disciplines' competency statements for undergraduate education. This organization and comparison of commonalities in scientific skills and disciplinary practices can be used by faculty and departments to come together to break down traditional silos, help their students more easily apply learning from one STEM discipline to another, and to create institutional change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary education adopts various new visualisation techniques for content to be learned. Recently, research on the application of 3D modelling and printing (3DMP) has been expanding. However, as the latest literature reviews indicate, little research is available on the contribution of 3DMP to learning of students with blindness (SWB) and students without disabilities (SWOD). This research aims to fill the gap through an exploratory case study, conducted in an inclusive Biology classroom in a primary school. Eight SWOD and four SWB (12 years old) participated in the study. The focus of the research was on pre-interventional and post-interventional students' knowledge about cells, and students' views on using 3DMP in Biology education. The data was analysed using Grounded Theory. The results indicate that 3DMP contributes to students' learning by improving the ability to enumerate, describe, and visualise the cell and its parts, by remediating some of the students' misconceptions and by increasing communication within a classroom. In terms of encountered obstacles, SWB noted that the quality of 3D models could cause new misconceptions. Adjusting the ratio, positioning and scaling of printed objects, inaccuracy in printing, and long printing process, are some of the problems which students encounter in 3DMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational modelling is widely used in biological science. Therefore, biology students need to learn computational modelling. However, there is a lack of evidence about how to teach computational modelling in biology and what the effects are on student learning. The purpose of this intervention-control study was to investigate how knowledge in computational modelling is associated with knowledge acquisition in biology. Participants were 118 students (17 to 19 years of age) enrolled in first and second year of Danish High School. The intervention group (n = 81) received teaching in biology and computational modelling while the comparison group (n = 37) received teaching in biology using textbook models. Both groups received two sessions, each of approximately 120 minutes. The study used mixed methods to analyse students' knowledge of biology and computational modelling. Participants in the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in their biological knowledge and computational modelling knowledge. The study is one of the first to investigate the effect of computational modelling on high school students' learning of biology. The study discusses how biology could be an important subject where students can learn computing concepts central in the endeavour to introduce computing in high school education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrasome is a newly discovered organelle composed of small vesicular structures enclosed in membrane structures. Since its discovery in 2014, migrasome has attracted increasing attention in cell biology due to its critical role in multiple disease processes. Its pivotal role in various disease processes, including cell migration, intercellular communication, removal of damaged mitochondria, embryogenesis localization, immune cell chemotaxis, and virus transmission, underscores its significance in biological systems. With research on migrasome steadily increasing, it becomes a unique resource for undergraduate cell biology education. For deeper understanding of migrasome, we applied a bibliometric approach. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis of migrasome research by retrieving relevant literature from databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed using the keywords "migrasome" or "migrasomes." Employing CiteSpace software and Prism, we analyzed annual publication trends, identified core authors and institutions, assessed national contributions, examined keywords, and scrutinized highly cited literature related to migrasome research. This study presents a comprehensive overview of migrasome research, elucidating its literature characteristics, key contributors, research hotspots, and emerging trends. By shedding light on the current status and future trajectories of migrasome research, we aim to provide valuable insights for teachers in cell biology education. We propose for the integration of migrasome research into undergraduate curricula to enhance the understanding of cell biology among premedical, medical, and biomedical students, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate mechanisms governing cellular behavior and disease processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the role of independent work in enhancing the genetic knowledge of third-year biology students within a multilingual education setting. Conducted at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, the research involved 164 biology teacher candidates. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures was employed to compare the effectiveness of various independent work methods in control and experimental groups. The findings reveal that independent work significantly improves students' understanding of genetics, particularly when supplemented with technology and project-based learning. However, students faced challenges due to limited resources in their native languages. The study concludes that independent work, guided by appropriate pedagogical strategies, is essential for developing genetic knowledge in a multilingual context. The implications for educators include the need for tailored resources and enhanced lecturer guidance in independent work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to develop a 3-dimensional (3D)-based learning model with Visuospatial Transformation Learning (VTL). We used the Design-Based Research (DBR) research method which was tested on fifth-semester biology students regarding plant anatomy material. The results showed an increase in visual representation abilities in the high category. Students can identify cell shapes in detail based on cell and tissue structures. The VTL model provides a dynamic learning experience. Visualization and transformation of 2D into 3D is easy to understand because students have gone through the learning stages using VTL including (i) independent learning, (ii) making concept maps, (iii) discussing concept maps, (iv) practicum and 2D representation, and (v) representation 3D so students can understand the structure of plant tissues and organs in detail. The VTL model is recommended for learning other abstract material. The impact of using this model is that students can understand abstract material more quickly and help the development of science and its application better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the utilization of animals, conduct an ethnozoology quantitative analysis, describe animal conservation by local people on Enggano Island, and apply the research results to empower species literacy in biology student teachers. Data collection in this study is in-depth semistructured interviews, observations, participant observations, questionnaires, and tests. Based on the study results, 64 species of animals are used for ten categories. According to the quantitative analysis, Chelonia mydas has the highest CI index (1.071) and RFC index (1.00). Based on these indices, Chelonia mydas was identified as the most important species for local people in Enggano island. The ethnozoology textbook developed from the results of ethnozoology research on Enggano Island is valid, practical, and effective to can increase species literacy in biology student teachers. In the control class, the adjusted mean of species literacy was 63.91, while the adjusted mean of species literacy in the experimental class was 71.87. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Developing evolutionary literacy is an important component of post-secondary students’ education and is a primary goal for evolution educators. However, as obstacles exist to students’ acceptance of evolution, more information needs to be obtained about what type of evidence students find compelling (or do not) that supports evolution to explain the diversity of life on Earth. Using the lens of conceptual ecologies, this study aimed to determine what lines of evidence senior university biology students found compelling. We examined six semesters of Pre-Post survey data taken at the beginning and end of the semester from 2014 to 2021 to categorize the types of evidence students claimed to find compelling. Results We identified seven categories of evidence that senior university biology students found compelling: New from Old, Comparative Biology, Structural Homology, Demonstration of Natural Section, Adaptation, Molecular Biology, and Not Convinced. A Chi-Square test of Independence indicated a significant difference in the categories that were most frequently discussed between the Pre- and Post surveys. Demonstration of Natural Selection had the highest percentage of student responses in the Pre-survey, while Molecular Biology ranked the highest in the Post. We parsed out the particular types of evidence nested within the Molecular Biology category to see which students found more compelling in the Post-survey. We also found that participation in a one-semester course decreased the percentage of students who answered Not Convinced from Pre to Post every semester. Conclusions Results from this study can offer suggestions for evolution education, such as including more examples of Molecular Biology evolution, as students found this category most compelling in the Post-survey. These types of examples can be used throughout evolution courses or focused on more deeply to support student understanding.

Photosynthesis is a foundational biological topic which often presents learning difficulties because of its complex processes and common misconceptions. Hence, valid and reliable diagnostic tool is needed to identify misconceptions and eventually guide development of instructional interventions. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable concept inventory test to assess junior high school students' understanding of photosynthesis. It was developed to identify common misconceptions and provide valuable insights into students' cognitive processes. This 20-item concept inventory test crafted with the aid of a table of specifications was based on Revised Bloom’s taxonomy of cognitive domain and administered to 355 junior high school students. In validation, results displayed high content validity with a mean of 4.85 and an average Aiken’s validity coefficient of 0.96. It also falls in the category moderately difficult with the test difficulty of 0.49, and test discrimination of 0.45. In item classification, 18 items were retained (16 accepted, 2 needs revisions) and while reliability test was employed through Cronbach’s alpha (α=0.70) indicating sufficient measure of good and internal consistency. Distractor analysis was also performed to determine possible source of misconception per item. The concept inventory test is found to be a good classroom test with some items to be improved and offers educators a valuable resource for diagnosing student misconceptions and enhancing their teaching practices.

Abstract Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is commonly employed in biology classes to facilitate students' comprehensive comprehension of biological processes and enable them to see living phenomena. The purpose of the study was to explore the use of ICT in enhancing the teaching and learning process of biology in the secondary schools of Bangladesh. In our study, sequential explanatory mixed method design has been followed. Data was collected from purposively selected ten secondary schools of Dhaka city. The study reveals that teachers have a positive attitude towards incorporating ICT in biology lessons and possess operational understanding of data processing tools and online browsing. Nevertheless, it also emphasizes the fact that teachers are devoid of personal computers in their houses and have restricted availability to school computers. Furthermore, the existing curriculum and teachers' guides lack adequate instructions for integrating ICT into biology lectures. The study also suggests that the process of developing ICT-based curriculum is complicated, which deters teachers from incorporating ICT into their classes. Furthermore, there is a limited availability of educational materials related to ICT in the Bangla language. This study recommends continuous in-servicing training on ICT to teachers, interest free loan to teachers for purchasing laptops, developing interactive biology educational ICT contents in Bangla and include specific instructions in the curriculum and teachers’ guide on how to use ICT in biology classes. These findings have important implications for policy makers, educators, and researchers who are dedicated to expanding the use of ICT in education.

Breadth and depth of curriculum are important for success in science teaching and learning. Curriculum theorists recommend less breadth and more depth than overloaded, superficial science curricula. This study investigates breadth and depth in the official biology syllabi in the seventh to eighth or ninth years in four diverse jurisdictions, Kenya, South Africa, British Columbia (Canada) and Singapore. Breadth was the number of generic topics included in each syllabus. Depth comprised focus, meaning the proportion of statements devoted to each topic, and demand, meaning the complexity and abstractness of each topic. High-performing jurisdictions, British Columbia and Singapore, have contrasting profiles of breadth and depth, with British Columbia having low breadth, high focus and high demand, while Singapore has high breadth, low focus and lower demand than British Columbia. Low-performing South Africa has high breadth, some focus but lower demand than the high-performing jurisdictions. Kenya has low breadth, high focus, but low demand. Breadth, focus and demand are independent parameters of biology syllabus. High-performing jurisdictions have higher demand but not focus nor breadth than South Africa and Kenya. The British Columbia syllabus best fits the appeal for less breadth and more depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to be surrounded by stories, through a continuous production of and listening to narrations, is a distinctive feature of humankind. Even biology, although part of the Natural Sciences, is a discipline that “tells stories”, because it has to do with time, with the relationships between organisms and with the depths and transformations of life. Starting from the assumptions of a reading pedagogy that promotes the pleasure of reading among children, without the aim to educate and conform, the purpose of this contribution is to bring out a specific didactic potential scattered throughout children’s novels, to propose interdisciplinary learning-teaching paths in biology at school by including children’s literature in science classes.

Abstract Despite many interventions, science education remains highly inequitable throughout the world. Internet-enabled experimental learning has the potential to reach underserved communities and increase the diversity of the scientific workforce. Here, we demonstrate the use of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies to expose Latinx life science undergraduate students to introductory concepts of computer programming by taking advantage of open-loop cloud-integrated LoCs. We developed a context-aware curriculum to train students at over 8000 km from the experimental site. Through this curriculum, the students completed an assignment testing bacteria contamination in water using LoCs. We showed that this approach was sufficient to reduce the students’ fear of programming and increase their interest in continuing careers with a computer science component. Altogether, we conclude that LoC-based internet-enabled learning can become a powerful tool to train Latinx students and increase the diversity in STEM.

Augmented Reality (AR) has seen extensive utilization in the modern era, driven by rapid technological advancements. The aim of the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method is to meticulously analyze and assess previous research on a specific phenomenon in a systematic and explicit manner. The search was conducted on the Scopus database using the keyword "Augmented Reality," resulting in 209 relevant articles. Out of this total, 35 articles passed the journal selection criteria and were deemed ready for analysis. The article selection process was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) model for inclusion and exclusion purposes. Since 2019, there has been a rising trend in research on augmented reality. The issue of AR can be approached through quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and even development research (R&D). The most prominent author in AR research is NF Saidin. The data shows that the keyword "augmented reality" is strongly associated with "education" and "biology." These keywords are linked to concepts such as teacher training, augmented reality tools, teaching, biology learning, learning performance, e-learning, and virtual reality. Themes related to AR in education focus on teacher training in biology, which applies e-learning or mobile learning based on AR and virtual reality (VR). Articles were published by authors from 28 different countries, with authors predominantly from Asia. There are 15 institutions worldwide that fund AR research and publications. It can be concluded that the focus on AR in biology education will continue to grow, supported by the ongoing emphasis on technology in the modern era. This trend is reflected in the distribution year, research types/methods, instruments, areas of study, authors, keywords, authors’ nationalities, and collaboration patterns.

Background: Understanding evolution is an important part of undergraduate biology education. Despite its importance, however, students often struggle to understand evolution, often holding preconceived notions of what evolution is. Here, we investigate how students in both majors and non-majors introductory biology define and conceive of evolution at the start of the semester for a two-year college and a four-year university near each other. We analyze open-ended responses to an in-class activity on the first day of the semester that asked students to define evolution, generating insight into how students are thinking of evolution prior to any formal instruction on evolution in college. Results: Our analysis of over 300 student responses reveals that students hold diverse conceptions about evolution, with some students perceiving evolution in the context of evolutionary processes while other students define evolution by referring to perceived evolutionary consequences. In addition, we identify multiple non-normative conceptions about evolution, including students viewing evolution and natural selection as synonymous and not recognizing other evolutionary forces, and find that very few students likely have developed mental models linking evolution and genetics. In addition, we find few differences between how students at the two- and four-year institutions perceive evolution, and similarly few differences between students in a majors and non-majors introductory biology, suggesting that these conceptions of evolution are widespread at the beginning of introductory biology, regardless of major or institution. Conclusions: We situate our results in the existing literature examining student conceptions of evolution, with our results extending past work that has primarily relied on more closed-ended questions or focused on specific evolutionary concepts (e.g., natural selection). Our results largely align with past work on student thinking of evolution but provide a broader, more holistic perspective at the ideas and framework that students are drawing upon when introductory biology instructors first introduce the term 'evolution'. We conclude our paper by discussing implications for the biology education research community as well as instructors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to independent research experiences is a persistent barrier that stifles the recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds in ecology, evolution, and behavioral biology. The benefits of field experiences are not equitably available to historically excluded and minoritized students. In this article, we summarize evidence that indicates course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide a solution to ensure equitable access to independent research experiences in the life sciences. We draw from our own experiences of teaching CUREs in ecology, evolution, and behavioral biology and provide the complete curriculum for our effective and largely materials-free CURE in behavioral ecology (CURE-BxEco). We advocate for greater access to and synthesize the benefits of CUREs to promote inclusivity in education. The proliferation of such innovative pedagogical practices benefits science because these classroom methods are critical in recruiting and retaining historically excluded and minoritized students, who offer diverse perspectives in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The post-00s college students are a group of "internet natives" with distinctive personality and innovative spirit. It is important to explore how to motivate them to actively learn new knowledge. Debate, as a means of learning and communication, can enhance participants' critical thinking skills, boost oral skills, and promote their learning of relevant knowledge. Here, we use the model of classroom debate in a general education biology course to debate scientific controversies. This increases students' enthusiasm for independent learning of relevant knowledge and promotes effective independent inquiry and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several specific digital tools now that have transformed the way science is taught. Correspondingly, teacher education programs have changed, and now they increasingly address the development of technology-related professional content knowledge (TPACK). Owing to the use of technology in specific domains of science teaching, there is an emergent need for domain-specific TPACK questionnaires. The present study investigates the development and application of a domain-specific TPACK questionnaire for teaching human biology using digital tools in a university-based teacher education program. A quasi-experimental between-subject design was applied for 13 weeks in the four study groups (n = 155). The intervention groups worked with digital tools in human biology, while the control groups participated without specific consideration of digital tools throughout the program. We succeeded in developing a questionnaire comprising seven reliable scales. The questionnaire development procedure described herein may be applicable to other science education disciplines. By the means of linear mixed modeling, we found that all students gained professional knowledge; however, treatment × time interactions revealed that belonging to the intervention group was the main driver of TPACK progression. Comparing the treatments, we found that at post-test, the intervention group reported higher levels of TPCK, TPK, and TCK, but not CK, PK, TK, and PCK. Sequential analyses of the longitudinal data highlighted that working with digital tools on a regular basis constitutes a TPACK boost effect. This study contributes to the literature on technology integration from the perspective of biology education, where specific tools that can be assessed using a domain-specific questionnaire are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Integrated Course Design (ICD), using Fink's taxonomy of significant learning, popularly known as ICD/SL, is a handy way to create a better learning environment for students. It is a learner-centered approach with the desired end-product, but at the same time, it upgrades the teaching by improving the instructors' delivery mechanism. Our goal of this study was to see whether ICD/SL affects students' class participation and academic performance in the "Introduction to Bioinformatics" course offered at the Department of Biological Science, BITS Pilani, Pilani campus, India. Three class groups were chosen for this purpose: 2019–2020 (51 students), 2020–2021 (77 students), and 2021–2022 (72 students). The control group, 2019–2020, received no ICD/SL instruction; the remaining two groups, 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, received ICD/SL instruction that included revised learning goals based on Fink's taxonomy and new teaching and evaluation activities. A Likert scale was utilized to assess students' academic feedback using the Kruskal–Wallis test to determine the P-value. The findings showed that the treatment groups had higher class participation and academic performance in the summative assessment of final grades. In the experimental groups, the class participation was 23 to 27% higher compared to the control group. The absenteeism rate on the course decreased from 14% in 2019–2020 to 9% in 2020–2021 and 4% in 2021–2022. Also, in the treatment groups, 83 to 90% of students were in the High to Excellent category, compared to 74% in the control group. The failure rate of the course decreased from nearly 18 to 10% in 2021–2022 and only 6% in 2020–2021. There were significant differences between the treatment and control groups in class participation and academic performance (P < 0.05). This study has shown that the use of ICD/SL has the potential to improve students' class participation and academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper examines the use of augmented reality (AR) as a concept‐association tool in schools, with the aim of enhancing primary school students' learning outcomes and engagement. Conflicting findings exist in previous studies regarding the cognitive load of AR‐enriched learning, with some reporting reduced load and others indicating increased demand and poorer performance. Understanding these implications is essential for effectively leveraging AR in education. The study offers a fresh perspective on the potential of AR technology in improving educational experiences. Objectives: The primary goal of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of an AR‐assisted concept‐association strategy for improving essential knowledge acquisition and skills outcomes, increasing cognitive load, and increasing self‐efficacy and learning motivation among primary school students. Methods: A quasi‐experimental design with a control group was employed to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention. Results and Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the implementation of the AR‐assisted concept‐association strategy effectively enhanced essential knowledge acquisition and skills outcomes, increased cognitive load, and increased self‐efficacy and learning motivation among primary school students. These findings highlight the potential of AR technology to improve the learning experience and engagement of primary school students. The study contributes to the existing literature on the effectiveness of AR technology in education, suggesting future research directions. Ultimately, it offers a practical solution for improving the learning experience by presenting a new approach for teaching using AR technology. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topic: Augmented reality (AR) technology has been increasingly explored in educational settings.Previous research has shown that AR can enhance learning outcomes and engagement among students.AR applications have the potential to serve as concept‐association tools to improve the learning experience. What this paper adds: This paper investigates the effectiveness of using an AR application as a mobile concept‐association tool in school settings.The study demonstrates that the AR‐assisted concept‐association strategy effectively enhances knowledge acquisition, skills outcomes, cognitive load, self‐efficacy, and learning motivation among primary school students.The findings highlight the potential of AR technology in improving learning experiences and engagement for primary school students.The study offers practical implications for integrating AR technology into educational settings, and suggests avenues for future research in this area. Implications for practice and/or policy: Incorporating AR applications as concept‐association tools can enhance learning outcomes and engagement in primary school settings.AR technology can be used to increase cognitive load, and to increase self‐efficacy and motivation among students.Educators and policymakers should consider integrating AR technology into teaching practices to improve the overall learning experience.Future research and exploration should be conducted to understand the full potential and limitations of AR technology in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the drawing method is to reveal the hidden beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and understanding of students without being dependent on words. It is more useful than other techniques in that it is easy to apply and a lot of data can be obtained with a drawing. Some misconceptions can be revealed by asking students to describe or illustrate some objects or phenomena. Biology is mostly concerned with the diagnosis of structures, their interrelationships and their functions. For this reason, it is very important to draw the biological structures correctly. Human circulatory system' comprehension is a major point in biology education. Because understanding this system is a basis for learning the transport and exchange of substances in the human body, the lymphatic system, gas exchange, and other important biological concepts. The aim of this study is to examine the cognitive structures of biology teacher candidates about the "circulatory system" with the drawing technique. In this study, a case study was conducted to reveal the biology teacher candidates' drawings in detail. In order to explore biology teacher candidates' drawing of the circulatory system in detail, their drawings were collected as data through 32 high school students (teacher candidates) in biology education faculty from Turkey. After the drawings were completed, each drawing was effectively scored for the presence or absence of at least one organ/structure in circulatory system. In addition, the drawings were further reclassified, taking into account the pattern of the path of pulmonary and systemic circulations. According to the findings obtained from the drawings of the biology teacher candidates about the circulatory system, it was revealed that the teacher candidates had many misconceptions, mistakes and incomplete information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic field of scientific education, particularly in chemistry and biology, demands the implementation of innovative teaching strategies, driving the need for continuous research to enhance skills in both educators and students. This systematic literature review (SLR) delves into the evolving landscape of chemistry and biology education research, shedding light on key trends, strategies, and skills. Employing the PRISMA methodology, we scrutinized 81 papers to assess the employment of resources, technologies, and methods conducive to effective learning and research. Searches were conducted in the Scopus and Google Scholar databases, with inclusion criteria spanning English and Spanish studies from the last five years. The analysis reveals a notable shift in recent years, emphasizing the diversification of instructional approaches, integration of sustainable practices, and a heightened focus on fostering essential research skills for both educators and students. The study underscores the significant adaptation to digital tools and virtual environments, potentially influenced by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkable findings include the growing importance of cognitive, social, and emotional competence in student development. This work provides valuable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers cross-talking the dynamic intersection of teaching and research in chemistry and biology education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field trips provide real-world learning opportunities in biology education as they promote knowledge about nature among other things. As biodiversity is declining knowledge of species is important for understanding and appreciating the natural world and its implications. Many field guides are digitally available, but differences from traditional book-based guides are understudied. This case study compares the effectiveness of a traditional book field guide with a mobile species identification app during a bird field trip on cognitive, motivational, and affective outcomes for college students (N = 133). Linear mixed models indicate no differences in bird species knowledge between the groups before and after the field trip. However, participants in the book group felt more competent and reported a higher interest after the field trip. This suggests that books could probably still add value to learning in the field. They should not be dismissed as they can be useful tools for students by enhancing confidence and contribute to the learning experience in a different way to mobile apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, the Biology Department at Virginia Wesleyan University modified its two-course introductory sequence in response to high DFW rates in the first semester. The revised curriculum created a new third course and moved content that many students struggled with to that course, so that students faced more difficult material after a year of adjustment to the expectations of college-level biology courses. It also added active/structured learning elements to provide additional support in the first two courses. DFW rates in the revised first course showed a significant decrease from 51.2% to 30.4% during the four years postimplementation, with similar DFW rates in other courses pre- vs. post-revision. DFW rates in the new third course were still high (41.9%), but students seemed somewhat better prepared for the material in their second year. Pell status and Race/Ethnicity (but not gender or first generation status) significantly impacted the DFW percentage, but nearly all groups showed a proportional improvement post-change. Fall to spring retention rates did not differ pre- vs. post-revision, suggesting other factors may be more important. Scores on the Major Field Assessment Test did not differ significantly between students that took the original two-course introductory sequence, the new three-course sequence, and those that transferred in. These results suggest that targeted interventions aimed at bottleneck courses can improve student course success without negatively affecting long-term learning outcomes. Departments should sequence and scaffold program content in a logical approach that supports the transition of students from high school to more challenging, college level expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is part of a didactic experiment, which aims at establishing the application and effectiveness of the school debate, as an interactive method of teaching in Biology and Health Education in XII grade in order to form an environmental culture among students. The application of school debate as a part of interactive methods corresponding to the objectives of environmental education and upbringing of a selected methodological unit of the 'Sustainable development - strategy for preserving life on Earth' is presented, and options for its application in a specific stage of the macro structure of the lesson are proposed. The results of a questionnaire, conducted with students to explore their opinions on the application of the debate as a teaching method, are presented. The analysis of the results shows that students are motivated to actively engage in the process of learning Biology and Health Education, accept the debate as an interactive form of learning because they believe that it increases their environmental awareness and develops key skills such as, critical thinking; skills to support sustainable development; teamwork; making decisions on various environmental topics; improves the ability to analyze and evaluate the relationship between man-society-nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to present the results of using interactive methods in the teaching of Biology and Health Education to 7th grade students for developing skills for a healthy lifestyle. The discussion is based on the topics: "The role of prokaryotic organisms in nature and their importance for man", "The role of unicellular eukaryotic organisms in nature and their importance for man", and "Talus plants. Seaweed". The discussion is supported by fragments of lessons in which interactive methods are used – the method of associations through creating mind maps, discussion, case study, and role play. As a result of using of interactive methods, students develop key competencies for maintaining their own health and the health of society as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Plant biology is an essential discipline for addressing global challenges from food security to climate change. In order to achieve this, we need to educate plant biologists who can contribute to research, enterprise, policy, public engagement and beyond. This article explores the potential of competency‐based education, which emphasises what students can do rather than what we know. A flexible and adaptable model of competency based plant biology education is presented, along with practical suggestions and examples. This provides a framework through which we can educate plant biologists equipped to address major scientific and societal challenges of the future. Summary: Plant biology is an essential discipline for addressing global challenges from food security to climate change. In order to achieve this we need to educate plant biologists who can contribute to research, enterprise, policy, public engagement and beyond. In this article, I explore some of the issues and challenges facing plant biology education from authentic research driven curricula to the impact of AI. In order to effectively educate the plant biologists of the future I propose moving to a competency based approach to education. Competency based education emphasises what students can do rather than what they know. I present a three‐domain competency model for plant biology, structured around (i) knowledge and information literacy (ii) disciplinary and professional experience and (iii) self‐awareness and personal development as three interdependent aspects of competency. I accompany this with twelve proposed competencies for plant biologists. The model is flexible, robust and adaptable to specific local requirements and future demands of plant biology education. In reimagining plant biology education in this way we can present our discipline as exciting and relevant to students, and equip them with the capabilities required to contribute to plant biology activity from research to public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine in depth the effectiveness of the Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) approach in learning the human reproductive system for grade 6 students at SDN 011 Sangatta Selatan. The CTL approach was chosen because it can relate learning material to the context of students' daily lives, so it is expected to increase students' understanding and involvement in learning. The research method used was qualitative research with a case study approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The results showed that the implementation of the CTL approach not only improved students' understanding, but also motivated them to be more active in the learning process. The findings suggest that the CTL approach is effective in improving the quality of biology learning in elementary schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to determine students' opinions on technology-supported drama activities applied in teaching the subject of the central nervous system in the biology course. The research used a case study design, a qualitative research method. The study was conducted with 25 students studying biology at a state university. An appropriate sampling method was used to determine the study group. Within the scope of the research, a semi-structured interview form was used to determine students' opinions about technology-supported drama method applications. This form allowed students to express their experiences in depth. The research results indicated that the students had a generally positive perspective on the technology-supported drama method used in the biology course. Since technology-supported creative drama activities provide students with a learning environment that they enjoy, this method can be recommended to increase students' interest in lessons and ensure permanent learning of content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to commercialize university research and create positive socio-economic impact is a fundamental research question that is under explored. Considerable public funds are invested in universities globally to create knowledge and then to explore its viability to exploit commercial value through supporting entrepreneurship. We explore how publicly funded research and commercialization of projects promote university's science and technology (S&T) initiatives. Qualitative case studies, involving 45 interviews, examine three UK government-funded Innovation Knowledge Centres' (IKCs) roles in commercializing three different emerging disruptive technologies: cyber security, digital construction and synthetic biology. An improved entrepreneurial finance ("entfin") ecosystem is the catalyst to promote innovation, through public funds to empower industry and deliver an effective finance escalator. A "WHO" policy analysis framework examines: the "Why" rationale for public investment; "How" process of translation; and "Outcomes". This identified how Entrepreneurial Finance combined with Intermediaries, Infrastructure, Training and Leadership impacts scientific research commercialization. We reveal several inter connectors that link maturity of projects, their locality and outcome horizons. Universities play an important intermediary role, regionally and globally to connect the wider entfin ecosystems. The conclusions suggest that government needs to improve the policy mix across university ecosystem actors to improve long horizon investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary school education forms the academic foundation for the acquisition of knowledge in higher institutions. Science Education is the bedrock for technological advancement in Kenya and the world at large. Biology is a key science subject and forms the foundation of various fields; therefore, it is an essential discipline. The performance of students in Biology has generally been low for the last few years. The ordinary Conventional Instructional Approach used by teachers in increasingly diverse classrooms may have contributed to the minimal performance. This study aimed to assess the effect of the Differentiated Instructional Approach (DIA) on Learner Participation and Academic Achievement in Biology in Public Secondary Schools. Quasi-Experimental Research Design was used in particular, Solomon Four Control Group Design. The target population was 2405 form two Biology students. Purposive sampling was used to select 8 Coeducational County Secondary Schools with a sample size of 360 students. Simple random sampling was used to select and assign the participating schools to Experimental and Control groups. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data, while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 was used for data analysis. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in all three hypotheses, with the first objective giving (F117.220, p<0.05), the second objective giving (F 54.049, p 0.05) while the third objective gave (F 65.417, p < 0.05) significant values. The results indicated that learners subjected to the Differentiated Instructional Approach did better than those instructed using Conventional Teaching Approaches. The study also concluded that DIA improved learners' Participation and Academic Achievement. The findings of this study would be significant to curriculum developers, educators, administrators and will also contribute to the knowledge base for the Differentiated Instructional Approach, forming the basis for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant shift from traditional, in-person teaching to online education, which has become indispensable. Nowadays, online learning is increasingly popular, encompassing educational programs delivered exclusively through digital platforms like video conferences and virtual classrooms. The flexibility of online education allows students to learn at their own pace and according to their schedule, but it also poses potential disadvantages. In this article, we explore the impact of online teaching on the practical subject of biology and students' perceptions of education in primary, secondary, and tertiary schools in Slovakia. Our research focuses on evaluating the progress of online biology teaching, examining methods of knowledge testing, and assessing both the positives and negatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STEM education, pivotal for 21st-century skills development, requires effective integration of its disciplines, wherein purposeful technology use is essential. This paper explores the roles of technology in integrating biology and mathematics, utilizing Goos et al.'s (2000, 2003) conceptual framework, which categorizes technology as master, servant, partner, and extension-of-self. The study emphasizes the roles of technology as a servant and a partner, presenting various technologies, both hardware and software, that facilitate this integration. It provides examples from two lessons designed for middle school students and preservice science teachers. These examples illustrate the practical application of technology in educational settings, demonstrating how it functions as a servant to perform tasks efficiently and as a partner to enhance and support learning. The paper discusses the design and implementation of these lessons, highlighting the educational benefits and potential challenges of integrating technology into STEM curricula. Through these case studies, the paper underscores the importance of strategic technology use in creating interdisciplinary STEM lessons that foster deeper student understanding and engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to examine the impact of computer-generated imagery (CGI) animation on the performance of secondary school children in Biology. The objectives were to compare the academic performance of students taught via CGI animation versus traditional methods, across various cognitive levels. Science and technology are key drivers of sustainable development, essential for economic and social progress through understanding natural phenomena. The study focused exclusively on 9th class Biology students in a Govt Girls high school, Gujranwala, using 2D and 3D CGI animation presentations during the 2024-25 session, over four weeks. The experimental study used a “Pretest-Posttest Equivalent Groups Design” to assess CGI animation's impact on Biology performance through a 30-MCQ-based Biology Performance Test covering six cognitive levels (knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The research instrument was validated by experts and confirmed reliable with a 0.831 coefficient using the test-retest method for accurate study results. The experimental group was taught through the CGI animation technique, whereas the control group was taught through the traditional teaching method. On the completion of four weeks’ experimental process, posttest was planned immediately to examine the level of pupils’ achievement of both groups. Statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation and independent samples t-test were employed for analyzing data. The results showed that CGI animation significantly positively impacted pupils’ performance in Biology. Based on the findings, it was recommended that science teachers should use the CGI animation technique to stimulate and boost pupils’ performance in Biology at the secondary level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the strategies employed by Biology teachers to argument practical components of the Biology curriculum in resource-constrained senior secondary schools in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The research adapted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 206 Biology teachers across 166 public secondary schools in the State. A sample of 132 Biology teachers, comprising 83 from urban schools and 49 from rural schools, was selected through cluster sampling from all the four educational zones in the State. The research instrument used was a validated questionnaire with a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.85. The questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, resourceful strategies, instructional approaches, and curriculum adaptation techniques. Three research questions were raised and one hypothesis was formulated. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions, while t-test was used for the hypothesis. The study found significant differences between urban and rural Biology teachers in resourceful strategies and curriculum adaptation, but no difference in innovative instructional approaches. Despite various adapted strategies like improvisation from local material and inter-school resource sharing, challenges persist in integrating virtual experiments and accessing external support for augmenting practical components of the Biology curriculum. Recommendations include providing adequate Biology laboratory resources, offering teacher training opportunities, and investing in technology for virtual experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]