The ecological consequences of nuclear war are discussed. Ultimately, the solution to the nuclear dilemma lies in education. We must come to thoroughly understand the odds we face and must gain control of our destiny from accidents of technological origin as well as from misguided action by any government. (RM)

Illustrates activities which social studies teachers can use to integrate environmental concepts into existing curricula. Activities include: The Web of Life, designed to develop student understanding of energy, producers, consumers, decomposers, and raw materials; and Population and Resources, based on identifying effects of resource depletion on…

Describes a systems approach from an ecological perspective for teaching the idea of a species and the notion that being a successful species involves being able to overcome certain general problems that must be solved by all species. (PR)

Several ecological concepts--such as population dynamics, the impact of exotic species, integrated pest management, and predation--can be demonstrated utilizing the Gypsy Moth. Suggested materials and procedure for the lessons are provided. (ERB)

Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic in 1492 and opened a period of extensive exchange between the Old and New Worlds. His greatest impact on the New World has been the one to which the least attention has been paid: his biological impact. For millions of years the biotas of the Old and New Worlds developed independently, divergently. The…

Discusses some parallels that seem to exist between mass extinction recognizable in the geologic record and the impending extinction of a significant proportion of the earth's species due largely to tropical deforestation. Describes some recent theories of causal factors and periodicities in mass extinction. (Author/TW)

Summarizes what is known about two major variables involved in certain types of chemical pollution that seem to be changing the structure of the Earth's atmosphere. Discusses the greenhouse effect and the ozone layer. (TW)

This book, for grades 2-6, is designed to provide students with a highly motivating and unique opportunity to investigate an aquatic habitat. Students set up, observe, study, and reflect upon their own "desktop ponds." Accessible plants and small animals used in these activities include Elodea, Tubifex worms, snails, mosquito larvae, and fish.…

Project WILD is the first large-scale curriculum supplement focusing on wildlife concepts and integrated with many areas of the general school curriculum. It features decision-making processes and explores a diversity of attitudes toward wildlife. The goal of Project WILD is to prepare young people to make decisions affecting people and wildlife…

This newsletter discusses the disappearance of the world's forests and the resulting environmental problems of erosion and flooding; loss of genetic diversity; climatic changes such as less rainfall, and intensifying of the greenhouse effect; and displacement and destruction of indigenous cultures. The articles, lessons, and activities are…

Advocates combining fundamental ideas from the fields of geography and environmental sociology that contribute to the field of human ecology in order to form a suprastructure for the analysis of current issues that are critical to global well-being. Illustrates concepts in a flow-chart that results in a cohesive structure revealing interrelated…

The development of a mathematics model to simulate small animal populations is described. Assumptions of the population model and options in the program are discussed. (MK)

Describes construction of a model ecosystem using a 10-gallon aquarium with a sand, water and air interface. Pesticides are placed on sorghum plants grown on the terrestrial portion. After 30 days, movement of the pesticide is traced using radioisotope techniques, from terrestrial to aquatic organisms. Details for calculating concentration factors…

Discusses some of the problems associated with the differences between facts and values, particularly when dealing with environmental issues. Argues that, as people learn more facts about the environment, they acquire more of an ecological world view, resulting in a broader consensus on issues and environmental policy. (TW)