This book contains information and activities to help make the study of rainforests an exciting exploration for teachers and students. Students explore the animals, plants, and geography of the rainforest by completing hands-on activities from various disciplines. This book contains five units: (1) "Living Layers"; (2) "Animals, Animals, Animals";…

Summarizes recent findings that help in understanding how evolution has brought about the diversity of plant life that presently exists. Discusses basic concepts of evolution, diversity and classification, the three-line hypothesis of plant evolution, the origin of fungi, and the geologic time table. Included are 31 references. (CW)

Provides a format for the identification of fossils when introducing geologic time in the laboratory. Presents an organization of fossils into three major groups based on radial, bilateral, and no apparent symmetry. States that this method reinforces student learning and provides for an orderly approach to fossils. (RT)

Describes three census activities concerning birds and butterflies that involve students in the actual collection of biological data. A Project Feederwatch data form is also included. (ZWH)

"Differentiating Instruction With Menus Grades 3-5" offers teachers everything they need to create a student-centered learning environment based on choice. Addressing the four main subject areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and the major concepts taught within these areas, these books provide a number of different types of…

This guide is designed to foster an understanding of the basic concepts underlying biotechnology through simple activities that are fun and creative for students in grades 3-5. It contains four units that will lead young students to an appreciation of how biotechnology is possible and some of its applications. The process of learning is intended…

Project AIMS (Activities to Integrate Mathematics and Science) has as its purpose the integration of subject matter in grades K-9. Field testing of the curriculum materials produced by AIMS indicates that this interpretation produces the following beneficial results: (1) mathematics becomes more meaningful, hence more useful; (2) science is…

Advocates using slides to supplement classroom instruction in many ways: introducing a concept; teaching a skill; reviewing for an examination; developing critical thinking; and instilling values. Slides of pictures in books, magazines, and newspapers can also prove useful in lessons when firsthand experience is not possible. (DH)

Science safety is no accident. It requires the knowledge of potential hazards, attention to detail, and constant supervision. It is important that teachers understand the potential dangers of even the simplest of science activities. This manual is intended to assist elementary teachers in doing experiments and activities more confidently by making…

This analysis aims to be a tool to reach out to the public on the issue of biodiversity. It is designed for executive directors, program directors, educators and communicators, and other leaders who plan and implement public communication and education programs and campaigns about environmental issues, including biodiversity. The roadmap intends…

This activity is used to introduce students to biology in general and the significance of environmental studies. The focus of the ecosystem survey is to examine the effects humans have on the environment. After completing a series of investigations, students develop their own hypothesis about human impact on the environment, and then test this on…

This activity features students carrying out an outdoor study of a 10-by-10 meter area in which they identify organisms living in the soil, plants, insects, and any other animals living within or immediately adjacent to the site. Groups also examine abiotic factors in the same study site. Students work in teams, share data, and each write a paper…

The concept of paraphyly is defined and its importance in the teaching of evolution and taxonomy is discussed. Examples are included to illustrate this concept. A list of 14 references is provided. (CW)

Recounts the adventures of a journey taken through France and Italy. Makes an analogy of this trip to that of the one Charles Dickens took in 1844. Describes silicified horizons of the southern Paris Basin, moraines, outcrops, and "Hoodoos." (RT)