The material in this unit is designed to provide upper elementary students with information and experiences to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the variety of animals living today. Unit goals include fostering a better understanding of animals' roles in nature, developing observational skills, facilitating understanding of man's…

Describes benefits and techniques for utilizing Mormoniella vitripennis (jewel wasps) in teaching biology. Feeding, courtship, egg-laying, and insect behavior investigations are presented. (SL)

Describes some of the characteristics of the common harvestmen, or daddy longlegs, and the true spider. Provides information on harvestmen's habitats and life cycles and includes tips on housing and observing these organisms in science classrooms. (TW)

Describes some ways that poetry can be used to present information about animals, enhance appreciation for animal habits and roles, and promote empathy for animals. Gives examples of and work sheets for the development of limericks, cinquain, haiku, and free verse. (TW)

Provides background information and student activities on bird nesting, singing, finding a mate, incubating eggs, and raising the young. Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. A ready-to-copy student worksheet is included. (JN)

Provides background information on honey ants. These ants are found in dry or desert regions of North America, Africa, and Australia. Also provides a list of activities using local species of ants. (JN)

Listed are criteria to be considered in selecting classroom organisms for suitability in observational studies. Organisms that lend themselves to basic biological principles are also listed. Potential difficulties (safety hazards, habitat replication, confinement, food requirements, teacher's attitude, conservation, escape of nonnative species)…

Presents 2 activities for students aged 8-12 in which students determine (1) whether or not earthworms can see white light; and (2) how an earthworm moves without legs. (MDH)

Provides background information and student activities on bird habitats, how birds have adapted to living in these habitats, and bird migration. Each activity includes an objective, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), list of materials needed, and procedures. Ready-to-copy student materials (puzzles and worksheets) are included. (JN)

Presents factual information on penguins using an outline format. Includes descriptions of physical characteristics, behavioral mechanisms, geographical distribution, and physiological processes. Provides separate bibliographies for teachers and students. (ML)

Directions are given for caring for desert tortoises, both adults and young. Observations of their behavior are recommended. (SA)

This book is written for children 5 through 10. Part of a series designed to develop their curiosity, fascinate them and educate them, this volume introduces the habits of a variety of animals during the winter. Topics include: (1) surviving during winter, including concepts such as migration, hibernation, and skin color change; (2) changing…

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 provides an introduction to whales and other sea mammals. Topics included are: (1) kinds of whales; (2) distribution of whales; (3) behavior of whales; (4) hunting whales; and (5) other sea…

Activities in the ecology of New England's tidepools are provided in this field trip guide for elementary school teachers. Resources, curriculum materials, and services are identified that are available through the New England Aquarium's Department of Education. This packet contains: (1) pre-trip activities (offering a vocabulary list,…

Insects comprise the largest group of animals in the world and newly discovered ones are being added to the list every year. The habits of even the most common insects are interesting to observe. This book introduces insects that many children will be able to observe in their environments. Interesting information is presented to help children…