Imagine saving just one of the 23,000 species threatened with extinction. Students studying endangered species in a general life science course faced the decision of which species to save as a summative assignment in a unit on scientific explanation and argumentation. They used the claim, evidence, and reasoning (CER) framework in which students…

Suggestions are provided for using animals (particularly snakes) as the focus of studies and activities in the science classroom. For example, cages with animals can serve as a learning center on various aspects of the animal. A list of suggestions for the care and feeding of snakes is provided. (JN)

Describes symbiosis and its significance in the day-to-day lives of plants and animals. Gives specific examples of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism in the relationships among fungus and plant roots, animals and bacteria, birds and animals, fish, and predator and prey. (MDH)

The use of living animals in the classroom is discussed. A checklist of ideas to remember when considering housing animals in the classroom is provided. (CW)

Described is a series of workshops designed to familiarize teachers with the social and legal background, principles of humane care, ethical considerations, and philosophies that influence animal use in the classroom. Discussed are the value of dissection, alternatives to dissection, and student reactions to dissection. (CW)