Setting the stage: developmental biology in pre-college classrooms.

Exercises that employ dynamic living material have proved highly successful at generating interest in science among young students. Developing embryos and larvae are especially well suited for such endeavors, for they can be handled without expensive or elaborate equipment, and their changing nature engages students. Using amphibian embryos, which are relatively large and exhibit profound, easily observed morphological changes, and amphibian larvae, which are easily kept and observed, captures the attention of children.