Discusses the need for long-term field experiments in undergraduate ecology curricula, and describes a field experiment in long-term succession set up to address this need. Reports on findings from the first year of the project. Contains 25 references. (WRM)

Describes a course on amphibian research for environmental science majors. Involves students in field studies and introduces them to investigative research. Evaluates the course. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Describes a bird-study and banding activity designed for students in urban and suburban areas. (PEB)

An Ohio University program that introduces botany students to field work sent a team to study Hawaiian species of violets and algae, endangered by invasive, imported plants. The situation of the native species relates to larger scientific and ecological issues because algae is the basis of the aquatic food chain, and violets adapt in unique ways…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a specific method of bacterial identification and suggests some modifications or improvements. The approach is presented as being suitable for obtaining information about the diversity of bacterial types on student fieldwork. (Author/EB)

Introduces a case study on speciation and evolutionary mechanisms. Teaches science process skills as well as natural selection, biological species concepts, basic genetic terminology, and classification. Includes teaching notes and classroom management strategies. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

The river was investigated at six stations from source to estuary. Modifications of water quality and aquatic communities are related to man's activities in the river basin. The organization of the exercise and the method employed are described. (Author/BB)

Presents information on the population density, breeding biology, habitats, and food of the magpie bird ("Pica pica"). Suggests and outlines several student projects that have been beneficial in teaching animal behavior and ecology. These investigations focus on diet, territory size, and food hoarding. (DH)

Describes the laboratory portion of the General Ecology course offered at California Polytechnic State University in which laboratory exercises to collect and analyze data were enriched through introduction of computerized data processing. Advantages, software development, program implementation, course specific computer usage, and student…

Describes a project in which undergraduate students learn ecological principles and methods by contributing to research involved in restoring an old agricultural field to mesic property. Finds that the project enhances student motivation and interest. (Author/WRM)

Environmental educators have long engaged students in collecting data and monitoring environmental quality. Now scientists are recognizing the potential for student-collected data to contribute to the understanding of phenomena such as global climate change. Suggests some ways of thinking about the potential of environmental monitoring as a means…

Two designs of undergraduate terrestrial ecology and behavior field courses are described and compared. These include using a variety of projects and using a single individual research project. The relative educational benefits of each are considered and the advantages of each type of course are discussed. (Author/CW)

The value and difficulties of long-term ecological monitoring studies undertaken in schools and colleges are reviewed. Rookeries, stream ecology, sand dune succession, fish population, and seed production and survival are presented as examples of successful studies. This is followed by a discussion of points to consider when setting up a long-term…

The Sierra Institute offers field studies courses across the environmental studies spectrum from sciences to humanities, seeking an interdisciplinary approach to ecological literacy. Field studies hone critical-thinking skills by combining academic inquiry with group problem solving and discussion, experiential learning of wilderness skills, and…