This project seeks funding to create a CD-ROM with accompanying printed materials that can be used in high school biology classrooms to modernize the teaching of developmental biology. The material will be presented in a format of 10 class periods of inquiry-based instruction, which could replace or accompany the treatment of developmental biology in existing high school textbooks; BSCS will use the module in all three of its BSCS texts. Four general topics of Developmental Biology will be covered: the development of individual organisms, development and evolution, development and the methods of science, and personal and social implications of developmental biology. Motion footage of development of several species, 3-D graphics (which can be manipulated by students), simulations of modern and classic experiments, links to external databases, as well as basic text material will be incorporated in the CD-ROM. Supplemental material for teachers will be supplied. Students will be presented with printed material, including hands-on activities and laboratory investigations, which will be integrated with the CD-ROM content. The 20-month project will involve BSCS, the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Utah, and Learning Systems Consultants (who will be subcontracted to create the CD-ROM). BSCS has submitted a well-planned and time-tested development and evaluation process. BSCS and the University of Utah will distribute the CD-ROM via a commercial publisher.
