Scientists, related professionals, and the public have for decades called for greater interaction among scientists, policymakers, and the media to address contemporary environmental challenges. Practical examples of effective "real-world" programs designed to catalyze interactions and provide relevant science are few. Existing successful models…

In response to the need to prepare students to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century, new models of graduate education are being developed across the country. One model is provided by the National Science Foundation's Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12) program, which broadens graduate students' training beyond their…

Although most instructors would like to believe that their students fully understand every biological concept explained in class, this is often not the case. Gary Wisehart, chair and professor of biology at San Diego City College, knows this from firsthand experience. "Students get very good at telling you what you want to hear," he says, "so it…

Provides a broad overview of the major natural removal mechanisms that occur in the environment, including chemical transformations, biological degradation, and physical processes. (Author/BB)

Discussed is the idea that a more knowledgeable, participating community will make more enlightened decisions about the maintenance and use of the environment. Described is the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Reserve Program, which involves the establishment of cooperative scientific and educational organizations. Techniques, incentives, and…

Cites the public image problem of field biologists and systematists. Discusses systematics and natural history including species variation, ecology, management of organisms and appreciation of nature. Describes widespread fallacies which downplay the importance of field biology and suggests ways to improve its image. (CW)

Examines the Natural Reserve System two decades after its founding. Summarizes its role in California natural environment research and teaching. Discusses progress made, problems encountered, and the future of the project. Lists reserve locations and campus affiliations. Describes reserve use, acquisition of land and administrative organization.…

Described are the economic and agricultural issues surrounding the cultivation of desert plants, principally the jojoba, as a source of fuel. The article examines the environmental impacts of an industry based on arid-region cultivation of such plants. (RE)

Reports on a portable video color camera that is fully suited for seeing ultraviolet images and offers some expanded viewing possibilities. Discusses the basic technique, specialized viewing, and the instructional value of this system of viewing reflectance patterns of flowers and insects that are invisible to the unaided eye. (CW)