Consider titles, for example.  “Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll: The Private Lives of Microbes” is a great way to catch the attention of the high school students whose teachers attended the workshop described in the article by Tracey Meilander and Christopher Woolverton. The workshop contained much more, and the article may provide inspiration for outreach in your local area. Also, check out the title of Cory Slifstein’s article—and you know there’s a mischievous middle school student waiting to make a wisecrack. 

But there’s more. The articles by Ruth Gyure and Cory Slifstein provide nearly a point and counterpoint of view—first from the perspective of the college-level microbiologist and second from the middle school teacher.  The tasks and the issues are different for each person. What is important is that each participant was sensitive to the other’s needs and the collaboration provided a positive experience for both individuals and their students. You know a project is successful when a colleague wants to try what you have done, and that’s what happened.  

Look for a preview of the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education in this issue. Going to Boston for the ASM General Meeting? Check out the brief highlights of Division W offerings. 

The Journal Watch for this issue is eclectic: look for reviews in microbial pathogenesis, evolution and ecology, and metagenomics. Web Watch includes reviews that you might consider as you start a semester: basic chemistry and medical history. The chemistry site lets you perform experiments online (with no way to blow up anything if you goof).   

Happy reading. 

Newsmagazine Editorial Committee