This case study uses a PowerPoint (~1MB) combined with role-playing to present the epidemiology and pathophysiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Students learn about the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease, and then argue different health professionals' perspectives on a plan of action for dealing with its consequences. Developed for a pathophysiology course for undergraduates, the case could also be used in a microbiology course or in a course in public or international health.

This case study is based on another case in our collection, The 2000-Meter Row: A Case in Homeostasis, which emphasizes the metabolic, respiratory, and cardiac responses of a young athlete competing in a championship rowing event. In this modified version, the same event is viewed in a new light to explore the psychological ramifications of the stressful sports competition. The case was developed for a mixed undergraduate-graduate course in sport psychology.

The physically demanding sport of competitive rowing is the backdrop for this case about homeostasis in which students follow the physiological changes that occur in an athlete competing in a 2000-meter race. The case was developed for use in a second-year anatomy and physiology course. It would also be appropriate in exercise and sports science classes.

This report was the first of its kind to analyze the green job market in MI (3% of workforce) through an analytical (industrial and occupational trends), qualitative (focus groups), and quantitative (employer survey) approach. Discussed are Michigan's green related industries and occupations, and also tracking them. It's concluded that the MI green job market has further potential and is growing despite an economic downturn.

This resource contains speaker presentations from the 2013 Plug-In Conference and Exposition. This conference took place September 30, 2013 to October 3, 2013 at Liberty Station in San Diego, CA and had the theme What's Next for the Electric Highway? This event brought together automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, electric utilities, government agencies, academia, and the environmental community to collaborate on the next steps in plug-in electric vehicle technology, infrastructure, policies and regulations, and market development.

This resource contains presentations from the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) 2014 Management Briefing Seminars held August 4-7, 2014. With attendees from industry, government, media, and academia, the event featured outstanding presentations from industry thought leaders as well as various networking and social events. Using CAR research as a foundation, these seminars revolved around the most important issues facing the automotive industry today: manufacturing, powertrain, sales forecasting, connected and automated vehicles, purchasing, talent, and supply chain.

This resource contains a presentation from a webinar and video of the webinar regarding a study carried out by Ducker Worldwide and funded by The Aluminum Association to evaluate the aluminum content in 2015 model year vehicles and the projected aluminum content growth through 2025. Also included is the executive summary of the study.

As the carbon dioxide concentration of our atmosphere increases and our climate warms, the hay fever season seems to be getting longer and more severe. In this case study, students assume the a role of a public relations specialist contracted to communicate the link between climate change and pollen allergies. The activity focuses on the importance of scientific skills to careers outside science, and is most suitable for a lower-level introductory biology, human health, or environmental science course.

Renowned virologist and member of the prestigious National Academy of Science, Peter Duesberg has argued that AIDS is not caused by HIV, but is the result of recreational and anti-HIV drugs. In this PBL case, students read Duesberg's 1999 article in Science magazine titled "HIV is Not the Cause of AIDS" as well as a response to it titled "HIV Causes AIDS" by medical researchers Dr. William A. Blattner and colleagues. Students work in groups to identify the issues as well as any terms or concepts they don't understand, then research these out of class to pool their information as they learn about AIDS and HIV.

This case study provides an introduction to HIV, including the life cycle of the disease, its treatment, and problems associated with different treatment options. The case would be useful in an upper level high school or lower level undergraduate class studying health and biology. The case study and teaching notes may be downloaded in PDF format. The site also includes a section for instructor feedback where general comments may be read and contributed.

This case introduces students to HIV, its life cycle, treatment, and problems associated with treatment options. The case, which incorporates critical thinking skills, active learning, self-directed study, and peer-to-peer learning, was developed for use in an undergraduate upper-level biology course entitled "The Molecular Basis of Disease." It could also be used in an immunology class, a molecular evolution class, or a general biology class to introduce viruses.

This case was developed for use in the first semester of a sophomore organic chemistry laboratory to illustrate how a combination of techniques is usually required in the identification of chemical compounds. It involves a murder mystery with a forensic twist. Students are told that two bodies have recently been recovered from two different lakes. Due to a mix-up at the morgue, the coroner's office is unable to determine which body came from which lake. The students' task is to develop a methodology to solve this mystery as well as determine whether the deaths were the result of murder or mishap. The case could also be used in instrumental analysis courses or adapted for a non-majors course in the general education curriculum.

In this "clicker case," a three-year-old girl gets into the medicine cabinet and ingests an unknown number of aspirin tablets. Her brother calls 911 and the girl is taken to a nearby hospital, where she is treated. The case is used to discuss the Law of Mass Action, chemical equilibrium and equilibrium constants, pH, and weak acids and buffers in the context of medical management of a life-threatening emergency. It is called a "clicker" case because it is designed to be presented in a class that uses personal response systems, or "clickers." The case is presented via a series of PowerPoint slides (~400KB) punctuated by multiple-choice questions, which the students answer using their clickers. It could be adapted for use without these technologies. The case is suitable for use in an introductory biology course where integration with biologically relevant chemistry is an important course objective. It could also be used in a chemistry course.

The Adaptive Use Bridge Project website is a repository for work being conducted at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in which historic iron bridges are rehabilitated, documented, and analyzed. The purpose of the project is to preserve the civil engineering heritage of New England and to develop instructional material for use in undergraduate civil engineering curricula. Upon completion of this long-term project, a protocol for adaptive pedestrian use of historic bridges will be created.

This paper describes an Easy Java Simulation (EJS) model for students to visualize Newtons 1st and 3rd laws, using frictionless motion and a spring collision during impact. Using Physics by Inquiry instructional (PbI) strategy, the simulation and its problem based inquiry worksheet aim to enhance learning of these two Newtonian concepts. We report results from Experimental (N=62 students) and Control (N=67) Groups in 11 multiple choice questions pre and post tests, conducted by three teachers in the school. Results suggest, at 95 percent confidence level, significant improvement for concept of Newtons 1st Law while not so for Newtons 3rd Law. A Focus Group Discussion revealed students confirming the usefulness of the EJS model in visualizing the 1st Law while not so much for the 3rd Law. We speculate the design ideas for constant velocity motion in the computer model coupled with the PbI worksheet did allow for making sense and experiencing of the 1st Law, where traditional pen-paper representations could not.

This case study considers the problems that would arise if one were to cross over into a mirror-image environment. The case looks into the lock-and-key theory of enzyme action. This material would be most useful in biology, organic chemistry or biochemistry courses. The case study and teaching notes may be downloaded in PDF format. The site also includes a section for instructor feedback where general comments may be read and contributed.

Playfully alluding to Lewis Carroll's tale of Alice Through the Looking Glass, this case study considers the problems that would arise if a person were to cross over into a mirror-image environment. Students read about a drowsy undergraduate studying for a stereochemistry exam who finds herself in a place where spearmint gum tastes like caraway seed. The case emphasizes the lock-and-key theory of enzyme action and stresses the need for molecules to have the proper chirality if they are to be biologically useful. Designed for introductory organic chemistry and biochemistry courses, the case could also be used in biology courses.

This "clicker case" follows Susan, an intern at a local hospital, who has admitted a patient she discovers has used the drug Ecstasy. The girl becomes delirious, and Susan begins to suspect that she may be suffering from water intoxication. The case is designed for an introductory biology course for either science or non-science majors, though it could be adapted for upper level courses. It uses an example of water intoxication to introduce membrane structure and function, osmosis, and electrolyte balance in the body. The case itself is a PowerPoint presentation (~800KB) shown in class that is punctuated by multiple-choice questions students answer using clickers. It could be adapted for use without these technologies.

In this decision case, a congressional staffer must weigh a number of competing concerns and issues, including popular reactions to genetically modified organisms, in deciding how to present information to her boss, an influential congressman drafting legislation to support agricultural research. The case explores the social and biological issues surrounding micronutrient malnutrition, including deficiencies of several vitamins and essential minerals, especially iron, iodine, and vitamin A, which affect at least one-third of the world's population, primarily in developing nations. Developed for a graduate-level seminar on "Genomics, Agriculture, Food Systems and Development," the case teaches about the issues surrounding genomic applications in agriculture and their implications to health, environmental stewardship, economic sustainability, and national development.

In this brochure, the European Aluminium Association (EAA) evaluates the need for vehicle lightweighting to reduce CO2 emissions. Since the 70's aluminum has been used for some car components (radiators, cylinder heads, and bumper beams), but now has grown to the average amount of 140 kg per car produced in Europe. Aluminum castings, extrusions, forgings and sheets can now be found nearly everywhere, including in car bodies, closures, chassis, suspensions and wheels. This resource explains why, now more than ever, reducing vehicle mass is necessary and how aluminum can be used to further improve the sustainability and the safety of future generations of cars.

This report by The Aluminum Association reviews the North American use of aluminum over the past 20 years in order to improve industry emissions, efficiency, recycling, and to address the challenges ahead in regards of sustainability. Challenges faced with sustainability include technological progress, energy and resource use, waste minimization and elimination, business operations, and product end-of-life ("design for recycling" and recycling incentives).

This study was carried out by Ducker Worldwide and funded by The Aluminum Association to evaluate the aluminum content in 2012 model year vehicles and the projected aluminum content growth through 2025. To gather data and form projections, Ducker surveyed original equipment manufactures (OEMs) and The Aluminum Association to create a metallic materials database with 32,000 cells per light vehicle. Using their database and other information from OEMs, Ducker concluded in the 2012 model year the average weight of aluminum on light vehicles will be approximately 348lbs, 30% of hoods will be aluminum, and 50% of cast aluminum wheels will be sourced from China. To meet corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards in 2025 Ducker speculates vehicle aluminum content will grow by 80% (671lbs avg. truck and 451lbs avg. for cars), milled aluminum components will increase, 50% of hoods will be aluminum, and manifolds will be made from magnesium rather than aluminum. Based on this study's conclusions, it's clear that aluminum content in vehicles will continue to grow to meet CAFE standards by 2025. For more info on Ducker Worldwide, visit http://www.ducker.com/. Ducker has also performed studies for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

When chronic pain forces a top student to withdraw from college, biology instructor Dr. Sharpe learns that medications (in this case, Vioxx) may be removed from the market for many reasons, including safety concerns. As the case unfolds, students learn how the FDA balances drug safety against medical needs. As written, the case is appropriate for a non-majors biology course. It could also be adapted for use in a more advanced course in cell biology, pharmacology, or biochemistry, or modified to explore statistical analysis, specific analytical methods used for risk/benefit analysis, or bioethical issues.

This problem-based case focuses on the female menstrual cycle and early stages of pregnancy of an unwed teenager. Working in small groups, students identify the learning issues for each part of the story and research answers to their questions. They are then given more of the case to evaluate. The cycle of analysis, information seeking, and sharing is repeated for each stage of the case. The case can be used in numerous settings including general health, biology, and sociology classes or in more specialized courses such as physiology, endocrinology, nursing, medicine, human development, social services, or counseling.

This site is the web home for the American Gastroenterological Association which is an online resource for Association members as well as "other medical professionals with an interest in digestive diseases, patients and the general public." The site posts links to related news; and to sections for clinical resources, practice management, educational resources, and publications-to name a few.

The Analytical Sciences Digital Library (ASDL) provides a collection of peer-reviewed web-based educational resources related to technical resources in the analytical sciences. Materials include articles, labware, educational practices, and more.

Intelligent Design continues to be a hot political and educational topic in some parts of the country. This discussion case study uses the dramatic setting of a public school board as it considers whether district science teachers should be made to read a statement to their classes identifying Intelligent Design as a competing theory to evolution that is worthy of scientific consideration. The relevant statement is in fact the one that was at the center of the 2004 controversy in Dover, Pennsylvania. This case would be appropriate in general biology or advanced courses where the focus is on evolution.

In chronicling the life and death of a woman who developed diabetes as a teenager, this case study explores such basic science topics as metabolism, hormones, cell receptors, eye anatomy, and immunology as well as issues in nutrition, exercise, stem cell research, transplantation, drug delivery systems, genetic engineering, and health care. The case has been used in a physiology course as part of a unit on metabolism and hormonal control.

This case is a "clicker" adaptation of a similarly titled case by Merle Heidemann and Gerald Urquhart of Michigan State University, "A Can of Bull?" The story introduces students to basic principles of metabolism and energy through a biochemical analysis of commonly available "energy drinks" that many students purchase at relatively high prices. Students learn to define energy in a biological/nutritional context, identify valid biochemical sources of energy, discuss how foods are metabolized to generate ATP, and critically evaluate marketing claims for various energy drinks. The case can be used in introductory level courses to introduce these principles or as a review of basic biochemistry and nutrition for upper-level students in nutrition, physiology, or biochemistry courses. The case is presented in class using a PowerPoint (~2.3MB) that is punctuated by multiple-choice questions students answer using personal response systems, or "clickers."

Answer keys provide acceptable answers to the questions posed in a case. Since these questions are intended to be answered by students and are often graded, keys are password-protected and access limited to registered instructors affiliated with an educational institution.

This case study presents a fictitious bio-terrorist plan to release anthrax in the United States. Students are assigned character roles and, through research, role-playing, and teamwork, develop a plan to minimize or avert the attack. The case is appropriate for courses designed for health professionals, general biology courses, and social science courses.

This case study looks at how the scientific process really works, particularly in respect to evolutionary biology. Using the example of the discovery of the platypus, the lesson ties in easily with biology or zoology courses. The case study and teaching notes may be downloaded in PDF format. The site also includes a section for instructor feedback where general comments may be read and contributed.

The discovery of the platypus had the scientific world in an uproar and kept it tantalized for decades. Here was the strangest animal ever seen. How was one to classify it? It had fur. So, was it a mammal? But then what to make of its duck-like bill? And how did it produce and suckle its young? Based on the book by Ann Moyal titled Platypus: The Extraordinary Story of How a Curious Creature Baffled the World, the case focuses on classification and evolution and models the scientific process, with scientists arguing, debating, collecting more information, and revising their opinions as more data become available.

After undergoing a fertility procedure, a 37-year-old woman and her husband are expecting twins. The delivery goes smoothly, but it soon becomes apparent that, while the baby boy appears normal, the baby girl has a heart problem and is cyanotic. In this interrupted case study, students diagnose the problem based on the babies' signs and symptoms as well as on their knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and the changes that occur in the heart after birth. The case was developed for use in a one-semester animal physiology course taken by sophomore and junior science majors. It could also be used in a freshman general biology course or in an anatomy and physiology course.

This not-for-profit, North Carolina community-based effort promotes farmland protection and sustainable production systems through research, development, policy support and promotion.

This case study introduces students to treatment alternatives for depression using a jigsaw method in which groups of students are divided up so that each member of the "home group" becomes the "resident expert" in one of five possible treatment options. Designed for a course in abnormal psychology, this case could be adapted for courses in physiological psychology, pharmacy, and neurobiology.

Teachers: Have you and your students ever come upon a question with no easy, well-defined answer. If so, then this site from Arizona State University is for you. Intended for K-12 teachers, users can submit a question and, within three days, receive an answer. Also helpful are the Experiments and Stuff, Articles and Profiles, and Web Links sections. The site's guidelines section stresses that the scientists who answer questions for Ask a Biologist are volunteers, but most are acting scientists. Due to volume of questions, or how busy a given scientist is, response time may be a bit slower than the promised three days. A great resource though for those times when you'd like an explanation from an expert and you don't have one handy.

Using the story of death row inmate Charles Singleton, who developed paranoid schizophrenia while in prison awaiting execution, this case study explores the relationship between a society's concept of mental illness and its treatment of people who are mentally ill. Students are asked to identify the model of mental illness assumed by each of the lawyers in the case and to explain the implications of that model in terms of the defendant's rights and responsibilities.

In this dilemma case, the central character, a museum curator, must decide whether or not to show a painting as a hitherto "undiscovered" Cezanne. The stylistic analysis suggests it is for real, but data obtained using different spectroscopic techniques are inconclusive. Students study the data and then make a decision as to whether they believe the painting is authentic or a fake. Written for a general chemistry course for non-majors, the case could be used in a variety of other courses including general chemistry for science majors, introduction to spectroscopy, instrumental analysis, and conservation science. It could also be adapted for use in other non-majors science courses with the focus of discussion on how scientific data can be used to authenticate or de-authenticate a work of art.

AskNature is the world's largest, free database of biological strategies and designs inspired by nature. It is a tool for researchers, designers, engineers, educators, students, and the general public that supports creating innovative and sustainable solutions. AskNature is a program of the Biomimicry Institute, a US nonprofit.

A significant body of literature is beginning to accumulate on the assessment of case teaching and active learning strategies, though more studies are needed.

Here we have organized resources and references for assessing case-based teaching and learning.

In this study funded by the Energy Foundation, performed by Lotus Engineering, and released by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), the potential mass reduction of a 2009 Toyota Venza is evaluated. Through advanced methodologies, Lotus replaces components with various high strength materials and reduces the quantity of components through integration. It's concluded in low development 21% mass may be reduced while cost is kept to 98% and in high development 38% mass may be reduced while cost is kept to 103%.

At what point in evolutionary development does a group of individuals become two distinct species? This case addresses that fundamental question by asking students to decide whether apple maggot flies are distinct as a species from hawthorn maggot flies. In making their decision, students examine the different models of speciation and consider the primary forces that effect evolutionary change. Developed for an advanced undergraduate course in evolutionary biology, it would be appropriate for any biology course in which students are taught about the models of speciation. It could also be used in a general ecology course in which students consider the distribution and use of resources leading to niche specialization or in a genetics course if restrictions in gene flow are taught in the context of speciation.

This case study looks at the relationship between claims made about diet trends and the actual ways body systems work together to contribute to homeostatsis. The lesson was designed for upper level high school and lower level undergraduate students, and would be particularly useful for non health majors studying human anatomy and physiology. The case study and teaching notes may be downloaded in PDF format. The site also includes a section for instructor feedback where general comments may be read and contributed.

When Mitchell reveals that he is going on a low-carb diet, Janine tries to talk him out of it, telling him that he's too thin as it is and doesn't need to loose any weight. Designed to accompany a nonmajors unit on human anatomy and physiology, this interrupted case study has students applying what they learn about human body systems to Mitchell's fad diet claims and Janine's sharp criticisms. Supplementary links help students explore new discoveries about appetite-controlling hormones, how body image may influence people's dietary decisions, and some of the most common diet myths.

This study was performed by Dynamic Research, Inc. and funded by The Aluminum Association to evaluate the effects on safety when vehicle size and weight are varied. The tests carried out by Dynamic used a numerical model approach with data from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) SUV crash database combined with FEM techniques created for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Air Force. It was found increasing vehicle size, rather than reducing weight by 20%, created much safer collisions. Ideally, if a vehicle could be made lighter and longer, it would be safer and create fewer emissions due to weight reduction.

This case study was inspired by a successful lawsuit brought by students against a professor at Pace University who had assigned them the task of calculating the cost of a single aluminum atom in a roll of aluminum foil. The case deals with the concepts of Avogadro's number and the mole, and so would be relevant to nearly all introductory level science courses including chemistry courses for non-science majors, general science courses, and, perhaps, some introductory level biology courses in addition to general chemistry.

In this fictionalized story, John and Jane, whose new baby is born with Down syndrome, are suing the prenatal clinic where Jane received her care, blaming the clinic for the baby's condition. Designed for an introductory biology course, this "clicker case" has students assume the role of an expert witness hired by a law firm to give evidence in the case. To help determine the cause of "Baby Doe's" condition and whether anyone can be held responsible for it, students need to help the jury understand the process of cell division. In particular, they must explain the behavior of the chromosomes during cell division and how errors in this process can result in conditions such as Down syndrome. The case is presented in class using PowerPoint slides (~1.8 MB) that are punctuated by multiple-choice questions the students respond to using hand-held personal response systems, or clickers. It could be adapted for use without these technologies.

The ethics of human experimentation are explored in this case about the infamous syphilis studies performed at the Tuskegee Institute from the 1930s to the 1960s. Sponosred by the U.S. Public Health Service, 399 African American men with syphilis were recruited for a research study on the progression of the disease when left untreated. The case examines the science underlying the experiment as well as the ethical and racial issues. One of its goals is to help students understand the evolution in our thinking on issues of science, human experimentation, and race, and how they are conditioned by our culture. The case could be used in any course that explores the ethics of science.

This "clicker case" is based on the General Biology edition of James Hewlett's "Bad Fish" case in our collection. The case follows the story of biologist Dr. Westwood, who is accidentally poisoned, first while traveling in Asia and then in the South Pacific. Students learn about Dr. Westwood's experiences and about nerve cell physiology-focusing especially on the role of ion channels in maintaining and changing electrical gradients across the cell membrane (resting potential and action potentials). They then apply what they learn in each part of the case to determine the mechanism of neurotoxin poisonings described in the case. The case is presented in class via PowerPoint (~2MB). Students use personal response systems, or "clickers," to answer the multiple-choice questions that punctuate the PowerPoint presentation as they explore the underlying mechanism of Dr. Westwood's poisoning.

In this version, developed for classes in cell and molecular biology, the protagonist of the case, Dr. Westwood, survives an accidental poisoning-not once, but twice. Students read about each incident, applying what they learn in each part of the case to the later sections, and then design a drug to treat the neurotoxin poisoning described in the story. The case comes in three different versions, or editions. This is the Cell & Molecular Biology Edition, which has a different set of questions than the General Biology Edition or the Human Anatomy& Physiology Edition, also in our collection.

In this version, developed for a course in general biology, the protagonist of the case, Dr. Westwood, survives an accidental poisoning-not once, but twice. Students read about each incident, applying what they learn in each part of the case to the later sections, and then design a drug to treat the neurotoxin poisoning described in the story. The case comes in three different versions, or editions. The General Biology Edition is designed for an introductory biology course. Its basic storyline and core objectives are carried over into a Human Anatomy& Physiology Edition and a Cell& Molecular Biology Edition, also in our collection, each of which has its own set of questions.

In this version, developed for a course in human anatomy and physiology, the protagonist of the case, Dr. Westwood, survives an accidental poisoning-not once, but twice. Students read about each incident, applying what they learn in each part of the case to the later sections, and then design a drug to treat the neurotoxin poisoning described in the story. The case comes in three different versions, or editions. This is the Human Anatomy& Physiology Edition, which has a different set of questions than the General Biology Edition or the Cell& Molecular Biology Edition, also in our collection.

This case involves the transfer of a food allergy to a patient who received a combined kidney and liver transplant from a donor who died as the result of an allergic reaction. In addition to learning about the various roles of immune cells, the physiology of anaphylaxis, and the function of antibodies in immune physiology, students explore concepts related to histocompatibilities, organ donation, and organ rejection. The case is appropriate for use in a course in human physiology, a combined course in human anatomy and physiology, or an introductory course in immunology.

This case is based on an actual article entitled "Baby Alert" that appeared in Consumer Reports (May 1999). The article raises some concerns about the safety of polycarbonate baby bottles, and recommends that parents dispose of them as a precaution. However, the American Plastics Council and the Food and Drug Administration have raised concerns about the experimental methodology used as well as the recommendations made in this article. The case has been used to help develop students' critical thinking skills in an introductory chemistry course for non-majors. It may be used to illustrate applications in polymer chemistry, quantitative chemical analysis, toxicology, endocrine disruption, and risk-benefit analysis.

This case focuses on the banana, the most popular fruit in the world. In the first part of the case, students are introduced to the history of "Banana Republics" and the biological constraints to banana production, including the devastating fungal pathogens that cause black Sigatoka and Panama disease. In the second part, they learn about ethical consumerism, organic and conventional agriculture, and Fair Trade products. The case was developed for an interdisciplinary capstone course, "Global Issues in the Sciences." It could also be used in courses in environmental studies, general biology, agriculture, and plant pathology.

A site on actuarial careers, created and maintained by the Casualty Actuarial Society and the Society of Actuaries. Information on skills and talents needed for an actuarial career; what classes will best prepare you; what to expect on the job; and a searchable database of job openings, as well as a list of top employers of actuaries by geographic location.

In this decision case, students consider the pros and cons of reintroducing grizzly bears into the northwestern United States as they learn about natural resource policy and the wildlife management decision-making process. Students consider four different approaches to grizzly bear recovery and management in the Bitterroot Ecosystem. As part of this, they assume the viewpoint of a stakeholder group, including environmentalists, government officials, residents, hunters, natural resource managers, ranchers, loggers, American Indians, wildlife biologists, and the tourist/recreation industry. The case was developed for use in an upper-division natural resource policy course.

In this dilemma case study, the executives of a popular restaurant chain must decide whether to use irradiated meat, in this case, beef, to protect its customers from the bacteria, E. coli. Students learn about food irradiation and discuss issues related to food safety and the public's acceptance of new food technologies. As developed, the case could be used in a variety of introductory science courses in chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, and agricultural science.