Thinking About Biology: An Introductory Biology Laboratory Manual

This self-guided introductory biology lab manual features a full range of activities that show how basic biological concepts can be applied to a wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is designed to help readers (including those who are academically underprepared) acquire the basic knowledge needed to make informed decisions about biological questions that arise in everyday life, develop the problem-solving skills that will lead to success in a competitive job market, and learn to work effectively and productively as a member of a team. Focuses on the scientific method -- requiring readers to develop hypotheses, set up experiments, collect data, record their data in graphs and charts, and draw conclusions from their experimental results. Offers opportunities to transfer content knowledge to real life applications through questions interwoven into each activity. Each laboratory includes a brief discussion of background information, hints for solving problems, important safety information, Comprehension Checks and Self Tests (with answers). For anyone beginning a study of biology, including those who are academically underprepared or from an ESL background.