Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Integration of Biology and Statistics Education (IBASE): Measurements of cells and organelles in biology lab to produce large data sets that can be analyzed in statistics classes
 



Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2006, Volume 27

Denise Ratterman, James Watrous, & Deborah Lurie

Abstract

This lab was designed to promote the integration of a freshman biology lab and an Applied Statistics course. Students collect data sets to be used in statistics for examples and projects, and then present their findings in biology lab. Students learn how to determine the actual size of cells using calipers for chicken eggs, microscopes with ocular micrometers for onion root cells, microscopes with digital cameras/measuring software for red and white blood cells, and rulers for measurements of organelles and bacterial cells on electron micrographs. Students are also introduced to SPSS software to be used in both classes.

Keywords:  microscopy, ocular micrometer, statistical analysis, micrograph, cell size

Virginia Tech (2005)