MOVEMENT OF A BEAN SHOOT - AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRONOBIOLOGY

An active learning exercise that focuses on movements (circumnutations ) of climbing bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; cv. Kentucky Wonder, pole bean) has been successfully incorporated into the curriculum of educational institutions to introduce the subject of chronobiology to students. This didactic activity, which involves an ultradian rhythm, can be completed within a span of 2-4 h, fits into the schedule of var ious courses, uses materials commonly found in classrooms, requires a time commitment of only a few minutes from each student, and can be mo dified to include a circadian rhythm project. Ultimately, Students dev elop a better understanding about parameters and characteristics of rh ythms, analytical procedures, and the temporal organization of life.