18th Annual Workshop/Conference
of the
Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE)
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Boston, Massachusetts
June 11-15, 1996
The 18th Annual ABLE Workshop/Conference will be held at Boston University from June 11-15, 1996. At ABLE meetings biologists present interesting and innovative laboratory exercises. This year’s meeting provides 20 hands-on workshops, each approximately 3 hours in duration, including participation at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, field trips, and mini workshops. Each conferee can participate in up to six major and some mini workshops, and will receive written materials for all major workshops. Field trips, social events, and tours of local attractions are also planned.
- Conference Highlights
- Membership in ABLE
- About ABLE
- Transportation and Parking
- Accommodations
- Weather
- Major Workshops
- Mini Workshops
- Field Trips and Special Events
- Plan Your Own Extended Activities and Trips
- About this page.
The 18th annual ABLE conference will be held on the campus of
Boston University, the third largest independent university in the U.S. It is coeducational
and nonsectarian. Founded by Methodist lay leaders, Boston University
was the first institution of higher learning in Massachusetts to
grant degrees to women, and it graduated the first African American
woman M.D. and the first woman Ph.D. The university comprises 15
colleges including the College of Liberal Arts, the Graduate School,
the Schools of Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Social Work,
Education, Public Health, Theology, and Allied Health. The campus
extends over 71 acres from the historic Back Bay along the south
bank of the Charles River and includes the townhouses of Bay State
Road with peaceful parks and esplanades to the city life of Commonwealth
Avenue.
Monday, June 10
- ABLE Board Meeting: 7:00-10:00 p.m., Room SCI352, Metcalf Center,
590 Commonwealth Ave.
Tuesday, June 11
- ABLE Board Meeting continued: 8:30 a.m.-noon
- Registration:11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (Lounge, Metcalf Center,
590 Commonwealth Ave.) - Tours: All hosted Tuesday tours will leave from the
Metcalf Center Plaza, 590 Commonwealth Ave.- Harvard Museums
- Duck Tour of Boston
- Art Museums
- Freedom Trail
- Science Museum
- Welcoming Reception for conferees: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at
THE CASTLE, 225 Bay State Rd. Sponsored by the College of Arts
and Science and other patrons.
Wednesday, June 12
- Registration: 8:00-10:00 a.m., SCI 301, Metcalf Center, 590
Commonwealth Ave. - Major Workshops: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.
- Box lunch: 11:30 a.m. Metcalf Lounge (sponsored by University
of Minnesota/R. Peifer) - Multimedia presentation by Rick Peifer: 11:45 a.m.-12:40
p.m., Stone B50, 675 Commonwealth Ave. - Mini Workshops: 12:50-2:00 p.m.
- Intertidal Environment of Rocky Coast Workshop: Board bus 1:00
p.m. at Warren Towers - ABLE’s First East Africa Summer Safari: A Recap (slide show)
at 5 p.m. in SCI 107 - Shear Madness: Board T at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 13
- Major workshops: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.
- Board of Directors Photo: 11:15 a.m. Atrium of Metcalf Center
- A Group Photo will be taken promptly at 11:30 a.m. Atrium
of Metcalf Center - Mini Workshops: 12:00 noon -2:00 p.m.
- Business Meeting for all conferees: 5:15 p.m. (SCI 107)
Plan to ATTEND. - Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers: 7-minute walk to Fenway Park. Game
begins at 7:05 p.m.
Friday, June 14
- Workshops requiring travel:
- Woods Hole: Board buses 6:15 a.m. at Warren Towers
- Whale Watch: 8:15 a.m. Take T to Aquarium stop:
Check in at Voyager II Dock 9:30 a.m. - Boston Harbor Ecosystem: 12:45 p.m. Take T to JFK/UMass
stop. From here bus delivers to pier. - Avian Niche Partitioning: Meet in SCI 305
- Conference Dinner: The entire New England Aquarium has
been reserved exclusively for ABLE. Board buses at Warren Towers
at 6:05 p.m. Cash bar.
Saturday, June 15
Field Trips
- All Day: New Eng Barrier Island, with a stop at Salem (Home
to Whalers & Witches) and dinner-by-the-sea at Gloucester. - Mayflower, Plymouth Rock; Plimouth Plantation; Lexington, Concord,
Brattle St., Walden Pond
Space to attend the conference workshops is limited to approximately
155 participants. Space will be assigned in the order that Registration
Forms are received, with priority given to ABLE members. Please
return the registration form as soon as possible, but no later than
April 15, 1996.
The registration fee is $130 for ABLE members ($150 for
non-members) and covers attendance in workshops, supplies for workshops,
printed laboratory materials, an on/at sea workshop experience,
a reception, Wednesday lunch, and refreshment breaks. The Warren
Towers Residence check-in desk will be open at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday,
June 11 and at 1:00 p.m. daily on other days. Check-out is by 11:00
a.m. Conference registration will take place Tuesday, June 11 (10:00
a.m.-6:30 p.m.) in the Metcalf Lounge (SCI), 590 Commonwealth Ave.
Late arrivals may register Wednesday, June 12 in SCI 301 at 8:00
a.m.
Membership is not a prerequisite to attend the Annual Workshop/Conference,
however members are given priority. The membership fee is $35 US
per year and includes the annual conference proceedings and the
newsletter Labstracts.
To join ABLE or renew your membership contact:
Nancy Rosenbaum
ABLE Membership Chair
Biology Department, PO Box 208104, Yale University, New Haven, CT
06520-8104
nancy.rosenbaum@yale.edu
or (203) 432-3864; fax:(203) 432-3854
More information about membership.
ABLE was founded in 1979 to promote information exchange among
college educators actively concerned with teaching biology in a
laboratory setting. The focus of ABLE is to improve the undergraduate
biology laboratory experience by promoting the development and dissemination
of interesting, innovative, and reliable laboratory exercises. Each
workshop/conference brings together a group of selected presenters
with about 155 participants from university and college biology
departments throughout the United States and Canada. The workshop
presenters provide all of the essential information and experiences
that the potential users of the laboratory would require in order
to “take it home” and use the protocol in their own teaching programs.
Workshops will appear in Volume 18 of Tested Studies for Laboratory
Teaching, the conference proceedings published by ABLE.
Boston University, located one block west of Kenmore Square, is served by Logan International
Airport. Cab fare from the airport to Boston University is about
$20. At the airport you may also take a Massport bus, marked “T
Station” or “Subway .” Change to the blue line “Train” to Govt.
Center. Transfer to green line outbound “B” car. After leaving Kenmore
Square, get off at Boston University East (2nd stop above ground).
You are able to buy T tokens at designated areas, however
you may also use change above ground. Bring lots of change as T
drivers do NOT make change.
Directions to the Charles River Campus:
From South or West: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90)
East to Exit 18, Allston/Cambridge. Exit left. Follow signs to Cambridge
to the second set of lights. Turn right at the lights on Soldiers
Field Road/Storrow Drive. Exit Storrow Drive at the Kenmore exit.
Follow Local Directions below.
From Southeast: Take I-93/Route 3 (Southeast Expressway)
North to Boston. Exit onto Storrow Drive (Exit 26). Continue on
Storrow Drive to the Kenmore exit. Follow Local Directions below.
From North: Take I-93 or Route 1 South to Boston. Exit
onto Storrow Drive (Exit 26). Continue on Storrow Drive to the Kenmore
exit. Follow Local Directions below.
From North Shore/Logan Airport: Take Route 1-A through
the Sumner Tunnel. Follow signs onto the Expressway North. Take
the Back Bay/Storrow Drive exit (Exit 26), and follow signs onto
Storrow Drive. Continue on Storrow Drive to the Kenmore exit. Follow
Local Directions below.
Local Directions from the Kenmore Square/Commonwealth
Avenue exit of Storrow Drive: At the first set of traffic lights,
turn right onto Beacon Street. At this point, the road forks; the
right fork is Bay State Road. The left fork will take you into Kenmore
Square. In the Square, bear right onto Commonwealth Avenue.
Parking
Unless you are a workshop presenter or unless you plan to stay
in a hotel, which provides parking, we strongly encourage you not
to bring a car to Boston. Twenty-four hour parking ($10/night) is
available. Drive to parking lot at 766 Commonwealth Ave. next to
the Guitar Center. When you give your name, the attendant will give
you your pass. Rolling luggage will help you transport it from the
lot to Warren Towers. If you are a presenter, directions will be
forthcoming for unloading equipment.
Campus accommodations are available at Warren Towers, 700
Commonwealth Ave., one block west of the Metcalf Science & Engineering
Center (site of the conference). Single occupancy is $47.00 and
double occupancy is $40.00/person (tax free). This rate includes
buffet breakfast, bed linens, bedspread, blanket, pillow, towels,
and bath items. You may exchange towels at the front desk. The residence
has a coin-operated laundry. You may choose to supply your personal
alarm clock, small reading lamp, and clothes hangers. Breakfast
will be served in Warren Towers. The Melville Room eating area is
set aside for ABLE conferees. There is a charge of $75 for a lost
key and $10 for a lost entry ID.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you may call Howard Johnson’s
at 617-267-3100 to make your own arrangements (ABLE rates are $99
+ tax/night; 575 Commonwealth Ave. across from the conference center).
The Eliot Hotel (617-267-1607), a lovely restored hotel (+$195 +
tax/night), is about 3/4 mile from the campus. Please remember in
planning your visit that Boston is the fourth most expensive
city in U.S.
In June, Boston temperatures can range from a nighttime low of
55 to a daytime high of 90 degrees F. If you anticipate field trips
near/on water, waterproof poncho, layers, rubber soled shoes, bug-off,
sea-sick remedy, sun glasses, and sunscreen are required. Temperatures
can be 15 degrees cooler on the water.
Abstracts and a Presentation Schedule are given below:
Wednesday, June 12
Thursday, June 13
Friday, June 14
Summary:
Herbivory and Anti-Herbivory
Phenotypic Variation in Plants
Identification of T Lymphocytes
Cell Fractionation in Tetrahymena
Preparation of Mammalian Germ Cells
Olfaction and Chemical Communication
Intertidal Environment of the Rocky Coast
Behavior and Ecology of Humpback Whales
On-Board Ecosystem Study of Boston Harbor
Pigment Granule Transport in Chromatophores
DNA Fingerprinting with PCR and a Single Hair
Avian Foraging and Niche Partitioning at a Feeder
Isolation of Myosin and Actin from Chicken Muscle
Fish Acoustic and Electric Communication (at Woods Hole)
Integrating Computer-Based Problem-Solving with Organisms
Purification of a Maltose Binding Protein from E. coli
Periplasm
Orientation of Marine Invertebrates to Odor Sources (at Woods
Hole)
Integrating Intro Bio & Chem Laboratories: Human Metabolism
of Vitamin C
Lighting Up: Analysis of Yeast RAS Genes Using a Chemiluminesent
Southern Blot
Measurement of Nitrogenase Activity by H2 Evolution from Nodulated
Roots of Legumes
Workshops: Wednesday, June 12
- A. Herbivory and Anti-Herbivory
- Lori Hertel (Hope College)
Both field and laboratory components are used to explore some
consequences of the chemical arms race between plants and insect
herbivores in this open-ended investigation. Participants will
quantify herbivore damage on different individuals of a given
tree species (e.g., Red Oak, Quercus rubra). This will
form the basis for individual hypotheses to determine the relation
between leaf damage and the production of defensive toxins in
the same individuals. Participants will prepare chemical extracts
from leaves collected from individual plants sustaining varying
degrees of insect damage. The toxicity of these extracts is evaluated
in a bioassay based upon brine shrimp survival over a 24-hour
period. - B. Preparation of Mammalian Meiotic Chromosomes from Spermatozoa/
- Obtaining Early Mammalian Embryos and Preovulation Oocytes
Frank Dye (Western Connecticut State University)
The objectives of this workshop are to: (a)introduce participants
to a method for obtaining spreads of chromosomes from mammalian
testes (which will include both mitotic and meiotic chromosomes),
(b) reinforce the participants’ knowledge of meiosis and spermatogenesis
by critical interpretation of what is seen through the microscope,
(c) obtain oocytes from mouse ovaries, (d) obtain living embryos
from oviducts of the mouse, and (e) note the dynamics of the oviduct,
including smooth muscle contraction of the oviduct and movement
of embryos within the lumen of the living oviduct. - C. Measure of Nitrogenase Activity by H2 Evolution from
Nodulated Roots of Legumes - Stephen Hunt (Queen’s University)
During N2 fixation, H2 gas is evolved as an obligate by-product
of the nitrogenase reaction, and the rate of H2 production from
nodulated roots can therefore be used as a measurement of nitrogenase
activity. In this laboratory, students use an H2 sensor to measure
the relative allocation of electrons between H2 production and
N2 fixation in the nitrogenase reaction occurring in intact nodulated
roots of soybean. They also use this non-invasive method to assess
the effects of temperature on nitrogenase activity. All data are
collected and displayed in real time using an analog to digital
acquisition system. - D. Pigment Granule Transport in Chromatophores
- Sally E. Nyquist and Kathryn B. Toner (Bucknell University)
This laboratory investigates factors regulating migration of pigment
granules within the cytoplasmic extensions of fish scale melanocytes,
a process which results in darkening or lightening of the fish.
The fish scale is removed, permeabilized, and viewed via microscopy
to detect aggregation/dispersion. Using this system, pairs of
students design and execute experiments testing the effect of
potential regulatory factors (neural and hormonal) on dispersion/aggregation
of pigment granules. Intracellular second messenger compounds
may also be investigated. The importance of controls and critical
analysis of experimental results are emphasized. - E. DNA Fingerprinting with PCR and a Single Hair
- A. Malcolm Campbell (Davidson College)
As a student once commented, “PCR is the sliced bread of molecular
biology.” We use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a process
that allows an investigator to amplify a portion of a single piece
of DNA into over one billion copies, with our Introductory Biology
students to generate a simple “DNA fingerprint.” This exercise
will outline all the steps required to generate a DNA fingerprint
for each student during two lab meetings. Participants in the
workshop will isolate their own DNA from a single hair follicle,
pour and load an agarose gel, prepare their DNA for PCR, and analyze
prepared DNA samples. - F. Lighting Up: Analysis of Yeast RAS Genes Using a Chemiluminescent
Southern Blot - Karen Armstrong-Malatesta and Linda Cholewiak (Princeton
University)
Genomic and plasmid-encoded RAS2 genes from Baker’s and brewing
yeast strains will be analyzed using a shortened Southern Blot
procedure utilizing chemiluminescence. Unique parts of this procedure
are the gravity-driven “upside-down” transfer and rotisserie-like
hybridization oven. These greatly facilitate shortening the transfer
and hybridization times. Chemiluminescence obviates the problems
associated with radioisotopes without sacrificing sensitivity:
the plasmid-borne RAS gene can be visualized within 15 seconds
and the single-copy genomic RAS gene, within a minute. Take-home
lessons can include concepts of RFLPs and sequence conservation
throughout evolution. - G. The Intertidal Environment of the Rocky Coast (p.m. only)
- Elaine Senechal-Brown & Harlan K. Dean (Brandeis University;
Johnson and Wales University)
Rocky shores predominate along the Atlantic coast of the US and
Canada north of Cape Cod. The rugged intertidal of this coast
is a harsh environment, alternately exposed and submerged with
each tide, pounded with the force of the waves; yet here is found
a rich diversity of marine life with a unique adaptations to tolerate
a wide variety of environmental conditions. Because of its accessibility
from land at low tide, the rocky intertidal is uniquely suited
for students to investigate the ecology of its marine life. In
this workshop we will explore the rocky intertidal coast and introduce
several field studies that can be used in this environment. Visit
Northeastern U. Marine Science Center.
Notes: Wear shoes that can get wet and have traction. Board
bus at 1:00 p.m. at Warren Towers.
Workshops: Thursday, June 13
- A. Cell Fractionation in Tetrahymena
- Nancy Rosenbaum (Yale University)
To illustrate cell fractionation, nuclei are isolated from the
ciliated protozoan, Tetrahymena thermophila. A
table-top clinical centrifuge is used for the fractionation steps
and the procedure is monitored microscopically using a differential
stain. To determine the efficiency of the procedure, cell and
nuclear counts are determined with a hemacytometer. To quantify
DNA, the Diphenylamine Reaction is carried out and the amount
of DNA per nucleus is calculated. - B. Purification of Maltose Binding Protein from E. coli
Periplasm - Judy Levin (Goucher College)
By correlating the protein concentration of various fractions
from E. coli with the appearance of samples on a gel, this
procedure introduces beginning students to the quantitative “bookkeeping”
involved in protein purification. A periplasmic fraction is isolated
by osmotic shock and affinity chromatography using amylose resin
is used to purify maltose binding protein. Visualization of fractions
by SDS-PAGE allows students to evaluate the qualitative success
of the purification and to estimate the molecular weight of purified
protein. - C. Integrating Computer-Based Problem-Solving with Organisms
- Bruce Fall and Mark Decker (University of Minnesota)
For a large introductory biology laboratory course, which focuses
on evolution and ecology, we developed a laboratory curriculum
that integrates computer simulation software and live organisms.
Students are involved in group problem-solving activities, hypothesis
testing, and presentation of results. During a two-lab sequence
on variation and inheritance, problem sets, created on genetics
simulation software, are used to explore basic principles of Mendelian
Inheritance. Skills developed analyzing the computer crosses are
then used as a basis for solving an actual but more complex cross
involving Drosophila melanogaster. - D. Olfaction and Chemical Communication
- James Traniello (Boston University)
This laboratory examines olfactory communication in humans, ants,
and termites. The study of the relationship between molecular
structure and odor perception in insects and human response to
different odorants is followed by an experimental analysis of
chemical signaling in ants and termites. These latter exercises
demonstrate the role of the physical properties of chemicals in
pheromone communication and the measurement of factors important
to the analysis of the biological properties of pheromones. - E. Identification of T Lymphocytes
- James M. Bader (Case Western Reserve University)
In a clinical setting, it is often necessary to examine the cells
of the immune system, especially in patients with immune deficiencies.
One method takes advantage of the fact that lymphocytes will bind
foreign red blood cells to form rosettes which can be enumerated
microscopically. Specifically, the Ox49/50 antigen on the rat
T lymphocyte surface has been identified as the probable binding
site of the sheep red blood cells. In this exercise, we will show
that the number of antigen-binding lymphocytes increases after
immunization. - F. Isolation of Myosin and Actin from Chicken Muscle
- Richard H. Racusen and Katerina V. Thompson (University
of Maryland)
Using differential precipitation and centrifugation, participants
will isolate the two major components of muscle tissue, myosin
and actin, from a frozen chicken breast. The proteins are further
characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The
relative mobility of each protein band on the resultant gels will
be measured and compared with known molecular weight standards
to estimate the sizes of the isolated proteins and to speculate
on their identities. - G. Phenotypic Variation in Plants
- Lawrence S. Blumer (Morehouse College)
Phenotypic variation in natural populations results from a combination
of environmental and genotypic influence. The causes for variation
in one species will be evaluated by manipulating environmental
conditions for three varieties of rapidly growing Brassica
rapa. Physical and biochemical traits of plants grown under
different conditions can be quantified to determine the causes
of observed trait variation.
Workshops: Friday, June 14
For all workshop field trips on water see recommendations under
“Weather.”
The workshops at Woods Hole (#A) and the Whale Behavior workshop
(#B) will each function as a whole-day unit.
- A. Workshops at
Woods Hole (6:15 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.) - Pick up boxed breakfast outside dining room. All-night Campus
Convenience, 700 Commonwealth Ave. has good coffees. Board bus
at Warren Towers at 6:15 a.m. - A1. Orientation of Marine Invertebrates to Odor Sources
- Jelle Atema (Boston University)
This workshop will demonstrate two major phenomena: flow visualization
techniques and orientation of marine invertebrates to odor sources.
Several techniques allow visualization of flow patterns in the
marine environment. We will examine the dispersal of odors under
various flow and release regimes and visualize information and
breathing currents generated by various invertebrates. Effects
of odor on sampling strategies and control of the environment
by the animal will be demonstrated. Several experimental modifications
will be tested in a straight flume to determine the orientation
behavior of several marine invertebrates. - A2. Fish Acoustic and Electric Communication
- Phillip Lobel (Boston University)
This workshop will examine underwater bioacoustics and electric
fields and the use of sound and electricity in communication by
fish. Basic topics will include dissection of otolith bones and
swim bladder, use of simple computer software to analyze bioacoustics
and electrical recordings of fish in aquaria. - A3.Tour of the Marine Biological Laboratory and Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institute - Kerry Guilfoyle, Boston University
Observe these world famous institutions first hand. - B. Behavior and Ecology of Humpback Whales (8:15 a.m.-3:00
p.m.) - William Dolphin (Boston University)
The goals of this at-sea laboratory are to help students understand
(a) the relationships between physics (abiotic systems), physiology
(biotic systems), and behavior, and (b) the susceptibility of
ecological systems to perturbation. At the summer feeding grounds
we will study (a) general oceanographic principles (ocean circulation,
upwellings, and their relationship to physical features), (b)
the relation of the physiological measures of ventilation and
diving patterns to behaviors, and (c) incorporating the observed
behaviors, physiology, and oceanography into the natural history
of whales.
Notes: 8:15 a.m. board inbound T. If trolley does
not say “Govt. Center,” change at Park St. to Govt. Center. At
Govt. Center, change to blue line (Wonderland T) to the Aquarium
stop. Follow the fish signs to the pier next to the aquarium.
Check in at the Voyager II dock at 9:30 a.m. Reminder: we cannot
control whales or weather. - C. Avian Foraging and Niche Partitioning at a Feeder (8:30-11:30
a.m.; 2:00-5:00 p.m.) - Frederick Wasserman (Boston University)
The purpose of this workshop is to help students examine differences
in competitive ability among avian species at bird feeders. Differences
in methods to obtain resources and in ability to fight and to
exclude other species are observed. The laboratory is designed
to run on either an urban or rural campus. In Boston we take public
transportation to the field site and return within a 3-hour laboratory
period.
Note: Meet at SCI 305 dressed for field trip. - D. Integrating Introductory Biology and Chemistry Laboratories:
- Human Metabolism of Vitamin C and Fruit Juice Analysis as an
Example (a.m. only)
Sapna Ramakrishnan and Patricia Samuel (Boston University)
Using the study of Vitamin C as an example, this workshop addresses
a method by which first-year biology and chemistry laboratory
sections can be integrated. The modular laboratory program is
presented from the perspective of biologists and chemists. Emphasis
is placed on the design of human studies and attention to titration
accuracy. Human metabolism of Vitamin C and analysis of Vitamin
C content of fruit juices will be quantitated. - E. On-Board Ecosystem Study of Boston Harbor (p.m. only)
- Berit Solstad and Rick Schmidt (U. Massachusetts at Boston)
Board the Envirolab III to study areas of biological, physical,
and chemical oceanography. Participants will utilize otter trawls
and Peterson grabs for collections to study; perform water quality
tests with salinometer, secci disk, and dissolved oxygen meter,
and sample core from harbor floor. Study meteorological and navigational
systems.
Notes: At 12:45 p.m. board inbound T to Park St.
Change to red line south to UMASS/JFK Library T stop. UMASS
Shuttle bus will take you to Envirolab III pier. Boat leaves at
2:00 p.m.
A variety of 30-minute or 60-minute mini workshops will be presented on:
Wednesday (12:50 – 2:00 p.m.) and
Thursday (12 noon – 2:00 p.m.).
Participants sign up for the mini workshops during Registration
on a first-come basis.
A preview of some mini workshops to expect:
Crickets: Sounds, Videos and Living Specimens (Robert Anderson,
Idaho State University)
Nonmajors Environmental Biology (Ruth Beattie, University of Kentucky)
Cellular DNA Repair (Glenn Bauer, St. Michaels College)
Human Nutrition: How Well Do You Eat? (Wayne Silver, Wake Forest
University)
Species Identification and Systematics (Linda Collins and Charles
H. Nelson, University of Tennessee)
Using the World Wide Web in Introductory Biology (Mark Decker,
University of Minnesota)
Fractals in Biology (Peter Garik, Boston University)
Renal Function: What’s Wrong with this Patient? (Catherine Teare-Ketter,
University of Georgia)
Teaching Elementary Biology Laboratories (Denise Martin, St. Michaels
College)
Starch Printing (Carol Reiss, Cornell University)
An Interactive Lab Manual: To Enrich, Improve and Expand Learning
and Teaching in the Wet Lab (Gabriela Weinhausen, University of
California, San Diego)
Retrieval and Analysis of DNA and Protein Sequences (Tongjia Yin,
SUNY-Genesco)
Microcosmos (Douglas Zook, Boston University)
Field Trips and Special Events
Boston and New England are renown for their historical, cultural,
and natural attractions. Please note the Friday workshops and dinner
at the aquarium as you plan your optional activities for Tuesday
and Saturday. On Wednesday we have reserved a block of seats for
an evening at an audience participation murder mystery play, Shear
Madness, and Thursday we invite you to enjoy the Red Sox around
the corner at Fenway Park. Advance payment for these events is required.
We encourage you to submit your registration early as there is a
late registration fee. Note that tours/trips may be altered
or canceled if the minimum number of participants per event is not
obtained. All tickets and T fares will be distributed at
registration. If you are a AAA/CAA member, you might request
a specific city map of Boston/Cambridge. On foot, by T,
or by car, these maps can be very helpful when navigating the city.
Summary (details given below):
- Tours:
- Harvard Museums
- Duck Tour of Boston
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Freedom Trail Walking Tour (Self-guided)
- Museum of Science (Self-guided)
- Reception for Conferees at THE
CASTLE (6:30 p.m.)
- Multimedia Presentation: Integrating Digital Multimedia,
Computer-Based Instruction and the World Wide Web into an Introductory
Biology Curriculum, by Rick Peifer, University of Minnesota
(11:45 a.m.) - Slide Show: “ABLE’s First East Africa Summer Safari:
A Recap” (5:00 p.m.) - Play: Shear Madness (8:00 p.m.)
- Boston Pops at Symphony Hall
- Baseball: Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers (7:05 p.m.)
- Field-trip workshops: Whale Watch, Woods Hole Marine
Biological Laboratories, Harbor Envirolab, and Avian Niche Partitioning - Dinner at the New England Aquarium:
The Capstone Event of the Conference! (6:05 p.m.)
- New England Barrier Island (8:15 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.)
- Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, Plimouth Plantation, Lexington,
Concord (7:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 11
Tours will assemble in the plaza in front of the Metcalf Center,
590 Commonwealth Ave.
You need exact change ($0.85) or T tokens for trolley and
T tokens for subway entrance.
- Tour 1: Harvard Peabody Museum of Comparative Zoology
& Glass Flowers; Harvard Square - 1:00-4:30 p.m. (Host: Melissa Hamel)
Includes showplace of Garden in Glass, accurate models of 700+
plant species; exhibits ranging from the earliest fossil invertebrates
through mammals. Attached to Museum of Archeology and Ethnology
(outstanding collection of Mayan, & other artifacts) and Geological
and Mineralogical Museum entrances (26 Oxford St. and 11 Divinity
Ave.). Wander back through Harvard Yard past the famous Bullfinch
architecture. The Sackler and Fogg art museums and the Carpenter
Center display vast collections of the world’s art.
Fee: $7.00 includes entrance fee and T tokens
Directions: Board inbound T to Park St. Go downstairs
and take line to Alewife. Get off at Harvard. From Harvard Square
proceed north on Mass. Ave. (Harvard Yard is on your right behind
a wall.) Turn right on Cambridge St. Go left on Kirkland St. Turn
immediately on Oxford St. and go one block to the University Museums. - Tour 2: Duck Tour of Boston
- 1:15-4:30 p.m. (Host: Tom Symancyk)
Board an authentic WWII amphibious vehicle at the wharf. As the
best of Boston unfolds before your eyes, your conDUCKtor will
be giving you lots of little known facts about and interesting
insights into our unique city. Just when you think you’ve seen
it all, you drive right into the Charles River for a breathtaking
waterside view of Boston. A great orientation to Boston.
Fee: $20 includes tour and T tokens
Directions: Board inbound T to Govt. Center. If
your trolley does not read “Govt. Center”, change at Park St.
to Govt. Center and then change to take the blue line for Aquarium.
Disembark and follow signs to aquarium. Go to the wharf. Board
an authentic WWII amphibious vehicle. - Tour 3: Museum of Fine Arts
- 1:30-4:30 p.m. (Host: Elaine Senechal)
Discover the myths and magic in the art of the Egyptian pharaohs,
Buddhist deities, and Gods and goddesses from India. See how generations
of painters from Rembrandt and El Greco to Sargent, van Gogh,
Renoir, Monet, Gauguin, and Picasso have captured the light of
Venice, the nightlife of Paris and the personalities of their
day. Watch current artists creating today’s moods. At every turn,
something is waiting to surprise and inspire you. Cross the street
to Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum displaying art in a Venetian
Palace-Courtyard Setting.
Fee: $17/person includes entrance fees to two museums and
T tokens - Tour 4: Freedom Trail Walking Tour
- (Self-guided)
Board inbound T to Boylston. Begin at the kiosk on Boston
Common at Tremont St. Choose walks by Louisburg Square on Beacon
Hill, Paul Revere’s House, USS Constitution (oldest commissioned
US navy vessel), Bunker Hill Monument and Faneuil Hall, etc.
T fare: $0.85 one way - Tour 5: Museum of Science
- (Self-guided)
Board inbound T. When boarding, note sign over driver.
If sign reads “Lechmere” get off at Science Park. If sign reads
anything else, change at Park St. for E line to Science Park.
Participatory exhibits and displays on physical science, natural
history, medicine, and astronomy. Planetarium/laser show.
Fee: Pay $8.00 at Museum entrance; T fare $0.85
one way - 6:30 p.m. Reception for Conferees at
THE CASTLE - Don your business clothes and take a one-minute walk across
the trolley tracks toward the Charles River to 225 Bay State Road
for an evening with new and old friends at a graceful, vine-covered
Tudor Revival mansion.
Wednesday, June 12
- Multimedia Presentation: (11:45 a.m.)
Integrating Digital Multimedia, Computer-Based Instruction
and the World Wide Web into an Introductory Biology Curriculum - Rick Peifer (University of Minnesota)
During the past six years the General Biology Program at the University
of Minnesota has been exploring the use of computer-based multimedia
to create an image library of approximately 3500 computer graphics,
animations, and digital video sequences. We have also produced
the software to present and manage this library. For the past
three years, in our evolution and ecology undergraduate course,
students have used computers for modeling, simulation, and problem-solving
activities. Most recently, we have begun to use the World Wide
Web in a variety of ways. This presentation will demonstrate the
comprehensive way in which our Program has integrated this “new”
information technology into our introductory biology curriculum.Note: Pick up a boxed lunch at the Metcalf Lounge. Cross
Commonwealth Ave. Walk outbound 1 block. Just past the red trolley
turn right. Enter a long cement building by the side street. Stone
B50 is downstairs. - Slide Show: ABLE’s First East Africa Summer
Safari: A Recap (5:00 p.m.) - Hosted by Vin Lawrence (Washington and Jefferson College)
ABLE’s 1st East Africa Summer Safari: A recap ABLE members who
visited East Africa in August 1995 were rewarded by excellent
views of large predator behavior. They will show slides and narrate
their experiences with cheetahs and leopards.
Location: Room SCI 107, Metcalf Center, 590 Commonwealth - Play: Shear Madness (Curtain time: 8:00
p.m.) - ABLE conferees will be part of the “detective force” to help
solve the murder in Boston’s 16-year longest running play, Shear
Madness. Bostonians go back many times to see this hilarious
whodunit. The play is filled with up-to-the minute spontaneous
humor in which the audience can be part of the plot.
Fee: $20.00 (includes admission and T fare)
Directions: At 7:05 p.m. board the inbound T to
Arlington. With Shreve, Crump & Low on your right, walk south
on Arlington to Stuart St. Go left on Stuart St. walking on the
right side of the street 4 blocks. After the New England School
of Law, turn right on Warrenton St. to Stage 2 at the Charles
Playhouse. - Boston Pops at Symphony Hall
- Team up with your friends, make your own arrangements, and
call 617-266-1492 to choose a “Table at Pops” or balcony seating
in one of the world’s three acoustically-perfect buildings.
Thursday, June 13
- Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers (Game time 7:05 p.m.)
- Seven-minute walk to Fenway Park. At Kenmore Square go right
on Brookline Ave. Watch the enigmatic Sox in one of the smallest,
most beloved, original ball parks. Third base line seats.
Fee: $15.00
Friday, June 14
- Field-Trip Workshops:
- Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratories (#A)
- Whale Watch (#B)
- Avian Niche Partitioning (#C)
- Harbor Envirolab (#E)
- Dinner at the New England Aquarium
(6:05 p.m.) - The Capstone Event of the Conference!
The entire Aquarium has been reserved exclusively for ABLE participants
for the evening. Enter this surreal undersea world and climb up
and around the spiral, spectacular four-story high Center Tank
Display, an international model for salt-water aquaria. While
sampling liquid refreshments, visit 2,000 fish and aquatic animals
ranging from penquins to piranhas. Savor a delicious dinner with
the sharks. Avoid the noisy, shoving crowds and join us at this
private undersea party. Walking shoes. Cost ($40) includes
entrance fee, dinner, and bus to the banquet. Following dinner,
enjoy Boston at night.
Note: Board buses in front of Warren Towers, 700 Commonwealth
Ave.
Saturday, June 15
Tours depart from Warren Towers.
- New England Barrier Island (8:15 a.m.-8:15 p.m.)
- Host: Marcy Thomas (Wellesley College)
The 4,662 acre Parker River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses
two-thirds of Plum Island and salt marshes west to the mainland.
300 species of birds visit Hellcat Swamp. Use your binoculars
and cameras from the observation blind and tower. Botanizing,
and hiking on beach. Bring layers, bug-off, and sunscreen. In
the Age of Reason, there is always a counter force: Stop at Salem
Witches Museum and judge for yourself what happened! All day trip
fee includes bus, Witches Museum entrance fee, box lunch for the
island, and dinner at an inn overlooking the New England Rocky
Coast, north of Gloucester, a historic seaport.
Fee: $60.00 - Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, Plimouth Plantation, Lexington,
Concord (7:45 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.) - Host: Michael Bonanno (Boston University)
Board a reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to
the New World. Costumed guides portraying passengers and crew,
describe life aboard the ship. Plimouth Plantation is a living-history
experience of 17th century Plymouth. Costumed interpreters portray
planting, house building, harvesting, preparing and preserving
foods, and militia drills. Return through historic Concord, past
homes of Hawthorne, Alcott, and Emerson to Old North Bridge, where
farmers stood and fired the “shot heard round the world”; through
Lexington, where 77 Minutemen stood against 700 Redcoats; and
down Brattle St. in Cambridge past Harvard Yard — Paul Revere’s
Ride in reverse.
Fee: $37.00 includes bus, entrance fees to ship and plantation.
It does not include lunch.
Plan Your Own Extended Activities and Trips
For a visit extended beyond the conference, the Boston
Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-374-7400) can help you arrange
housing and travel options.
Areas, not part of the conference but of interest to biologists,
include the Appalachian Trail which curves through the Berkshires,
Vermont and New Hampshire, and ends at Mt. Katahdin in Maine; the
National Seashore at Wellfleet, Cape Cod with many bike trails;
Boston Harbor Cruises; the 6,000-tree Arnold Arboretum (part of
the Emerald Necklace around Boston); Ipswich and Manomet Bird Sanctuaries
and Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Cambridge) for rare bird sightings among
the previously rich and famous.
The Computer Museum, JFK Library/Museum, Children’s Museum, and
the Boston Tea Party Ship are popular among Boston’s visitors. The
islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have always held a special
charm. Reservations in advance for lodging and car space on ferries
to the islands are required. You might plan to leave your car in
Hyannis or Woods Hole and bike once you arrive on the island. From
the mansions of Newport, RI, to the seaports of Rockport and Marblehead
to Old Sturbridge Village, a restored 19th Century living history
experience, there is something for everyone.
Finally, for those who love to shop, Newbury St. with its European
outdoor cafes and boutiques is a short walk from your dorm. Fanueil
Hall Marketplace has been a national model for transforming a decaying
waterfront into upbeat shops and eateries. The original Filene’s
Basement where shoppers battle over goods, still reigns on Washington
St.
Check out these Web sites:
City of Boston Information (Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau)
The BOSTON Lens (guided tour of Boston)
For additional information contact:
Host, ABLE 1996
Department of Biology
Boston University
5 Cummington St.
Boston, MA 02215-2406
email: godrick@bio.bu.eduFax: (617)353-6340
The paper version of this document was prepared by Elizabeth
A. Godrick (Boston University), Host of ABLE 1996. The HTML text
was prepared by Corey A. Goldman (University of Toronto), ABLE
President, 1995-1997.
Comments about this text should be sent to: webmanager@ableweb.org