Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-integrated project-based learning (PBL) is essential in contemporary education as it improves students' advanced cognitive capacities, critical thinking aptitude, scientific literacy, and ecological awareness. This study aims to identify and highlight some research publications that examine…

This laboratory exercise investigates the influence of population density on offspring number and size in burying beetles. Students test the theoretical predictions that brood size declines and offspring size increases when competition over resources becomes stronger with increasing population density. Students design the experiment, collect and…

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)

Describes two working models of moths that can be used to test the eyespot function as an aversive property. Uses simple mechanical and electrical models as the "moths" and wild birds as the predators. Includes diagrams, methods, models, validation statements, and a discussion. (RT)

Identified some of the misconceptions held by secondary science students (N=232) related to selected ecological concepts and generalizations. Lists the alternative conceptions expressed by these students on food chains and energy flows and pyramids. Offers perspectives on dealing with the sources of the misconceptions. (ML)

Described is an advanced biology class project involving study of the effects of organic pollution on an aquatic ecosystem from an sewage treatment plant overflow to evaluate the chemical quality and biological activity of the river water. (DS)

Surveys salient aspects of eastern box-turtle natural history. Explores the societal and ecological factors that have contributed to the decline of the box-turtle population. Contains 18 references. (WRM)

Discusses some of the ecological variables involved with plant and animal survival during the winter months. Addresses the effects of changing climatic conditions on habitats, foot-loading indexes, and the overall concept of adaptation. Provides some simple teaching activities dealing with winter survival. (TW)

Discusses the nature and consequences of organisms' adaptation to new environments, including examples of adaptation and tolerance, aliens, adventives and invaders, vacant niches, arrival and fate of an adventure, hybridization with native organisms, and invasion without introduction by humans. (DS)

Introduces classroom and other activities for teaching the importance of the tropical rain forest. Includes some resources and reading materials. (YP)

Introduces a teaching strategy for Year 10 and senior biology students to demonstrate food and energy processes along a river ecosystem. In studying the River Continuum Concept, groups of students undertake a series of interrelated projects as a means of understanding the big picture of the food and energy interrelationships evident in healthy…

Describes a role-playing exercise designed to allow students to make decisions on land use activities while requiring them to address a range of ecological and environmental issues. The activity uses data and information from soil survey manuals in conjunction with a student-created physical topographical model. (WRM)