The study reported in this paper intended to trace what Chinese children think about life and identify their naive theories. Fifty-eight 5-year-old children in Taiwan from 39 kindergartens were interviewed using a semi-structured instrument. Results indicate that preschool children have preconceptions about the concept of life even before entering…

Addresses the misconception that the ecosystems involving plants and animals in our national parks are thoroughly monitored. Discusses research and other programs designed to inventory species throughout the national parks' and to inform the national parks concerning its ecosystems. (MDH)

Describes life in the Mojave Desert. Includes a map of the desert and a poster that can be used in the classroom with drawings and photographs of desert creatures. Presents three lesson plans on mapping deserts, earthshaking events, and weed invaders as well as a section of teacher resources. (SAH)

Discusses five-kingdom classification and the changes in understanding over the years. First published in 1983. (YDS)

This is an activity book designed for students in grades 3 through 6. These activities incorporate science themes and cooperative learning. Students explore topics by working with others as team members to complete the science activities. This book contains five units on the following topics: weather, insects, plants, dinosaurs, and space. Each…

This book is written for children ages 5 through 10. Part of a series designed to develop their curiosity, fascinate them and educate them, this volume describes various aspects of life on the tropical island of Nossi Be, off the coast of Madagascar. Topics include houses, daily life, food, and animals and plants. (YP)

Plants provide oxygen, food, shelter, medicine and more for all animals, including humans. In fact, people depend on plants for their very survival just as plants rely on animals! In All About Plant & Animal Interdependency, join aspiring botanists as they discover how plants and animals interrelate. Learn about the constant exchange of gases…

Presented is an accounting of known numbers of major categories of life, from viruses to mammals. The construction of the census is described. Included are living and nonliving species and genera. (CW)

Several hands-on whole science activities help elementary students learn about animals' diets and how they affect other animals. One activity involves identifying animals as carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores. Another has students construct food chains. Two across-the-curriculum ideas involve naming carnivores and preparing imaginary menus for…

Introduces activities to reinforce the concept of and problems involved with introduced, nonnative or alien species. Provides seven vignettes about seven different plant and animal species that have become or currently are near ecological disasters. (CCM)

Windows on the Wild is an environmental education program of the World Wildlife Fund. This issue of WOW! focuses on biodiversity. Topics include: an interview with one of the world's leading experts on biodiversity; the lighter side of biodiversity through comics and cartoons; a species-scape that compares the number of species on the planet;…

Up to 33 million species share the earth; no one knows the exact number for sure. All over the world, many species are becoming extinct. This workbook is designed to help children become more aware of the concept of extinction, and to develop personal strategies for helping with the problem of endangered species. Included are 31 activities…

This CD-ROM helps learners discover forests in Hawaii and around the world through many science activities. Activities include climbing to the canopy where the calls of unusual birds can be heard; discovering bizarre creatures that dwell in dark, damp lava tubes; spinning the globe and meeting extraordinary forest plants and animals; and creating…

Investigates whether the use of the combination of lecture, discussion, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) significantly improved students' attitudes toward biology and their understanding of reproduction in plants and animals. Studies grade 11 Jamaican female students (n=77) from two traditional high schools in Kingston. (Contains 19…

Explains the procedure for creating a field guide for high school students. Provides field guide questions and a sample format of the guide's insect page. (YDS)