Bottle Biology is and exciting concept which turns disposable nonbiodegradable plastic soft drink bottles and other throw away containers into miniature ecosystems, scientific equipment and science models for teaching the full range of life sciences in grades K-12. Activities will be developed through interaction among research scientists in industry and education with the project staff and K-12 teachers. Materials will focus broadly on the exploration of the natural, human and agricultural ecology and biotechnology, with emphasis on the integration of mathematics, physics and chemistry. Three categories of materials are envisioned: 1) Basic Bottle Biology: single or multi/interdependent container systems used to create local or exotic ecosystems (students collect materials and organisms and construct systems), 2) Impact of Science and Technology on Human Ecology: explorations using the bottle systems in biotechnology, bioprocessing, waste and resource management, 3)Modeling Microscopic and Molecular Worlds: model building and computer-aided modeling. Bottle Biology will be implemented by the Wisconsin Fast Plants program through the newly formed Center for Biology Education on the UW-Madison campus. The bottle biology concept strongly impacts science education because it is unlimited and inexpensive, is scientifically valid and educationally sound, provides full technical support to teachers and utilizes research scientists in the creation of instructional materials. Outreach to scientists for materials creation will lead to their involvement in local school districts and to greater public awareness and support for science education.
