Several ecological concepts--such as population dynamics, the impact of exotic species, integrated pest management, and predation--can be demonstrated utilizing the Gypsy Moth. Suggested materials and procedure for the lessons are provided. (ERB)

Proposes an international research laboratory to investigate environmental factors in human health. By international cooperation unnecessary duplication and waste of resources can be avoided and long-term studies can examine various world-wide environments. (JM)

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)

Advocates including plants at several trophic levels when studying food chains. Presents background information on parasitic plants, myco-heterophytes (saprophytes), and carnivorous plants. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

This interdisciplinary unit is intended for use in the fourth grade. Through discussion of the American Lobster, its economics, history, literature, and biology, the unit describes the effects of the marine environment on human history and culture. Sections deal with how marine organisms have evolved. Detailed descriptions are provided of lobster…

Describes a simplified model for summarizing ecological relationships. The components of the ecological triangle are biotic, abiotic materials, and abiotic conditions. Discusses three-way component interactions, population studies, limiting factors of pollution on humans, and difficulties in establishing casual relationships in field research. (CS)

Describes results and experiences of four field-course experiments designed to explore the relationships between animals and their physical environment. Reports on the response of animals to flow rate of water, relationship between size and rate of locomotion, and mathematical and physical techniques used to study how animals live. (RT)

Presents a comparison of human population and pathologic models. Builds support for a hypothesis that the human population is a planetary cancer by establishing the following: (1) features of human populations; (2) characteristics of human populations and other biological communities; (3) models of pathologic processes; and (4) malignant…

Reports on experimental comparisons between the leopard frog, currently captured for laboratory use, and the African clawed frog, raised specifically for research. Except for the increased longevity of isolated nerve axons in the clawed frog, no other significant differences were established. Recommends laboratory use of clawed frogs as…

This interdisciplinary unit is intended for use in kindergarten classes. The unit follows the story line of the book, "Grandma's Beach Surprise," or any suitable children's story about the seashore environment. The unit deals with shelled animals found along the ocean shore. It includes the anatomy of various mollusks, their interaction with the…

Describes activities that demonstrate the effects of factors such as wind velocity, water temperature, convection currents, intensity of light, rate of photosynthesis, atmospheric pressure, humidity, numbers of decomposers, presence of oxidizable ions, and respiration by plants and animals on the dissolved oxygen concentration in water. (MA)

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)

The development of a mathematics model to simulate small animal populations is described. Assumptions of the population model and options in the program are discussed. (MK)

Describes construction of a model ecosystem using a 10-gallon aquarium with a sand, water and air interface. Pesticides are placed on sorghum plants grown on the terrestrial portion. After 30 days, movement of the pesticide is traced using radioisotope techniques, from terrestrial to aquatic organisms. Details for calculating concentration factors…