Describes the Common Roots program developed by Food Works of Montpelier, Vermont, which fosters academic excellence in all disciplines by engaging students in hands-on explorations of their local community's natural and cultural heritage. Helps teachers design community-based environmental curricula to meet uniform educational standards.…

Shares insights on community/environment-based learning gleaned from teachers over 30 years. Delineates what the author has identified as stages that teachers experience as they begin to move outside their classrooms. Genuine support for this approach would hasten its adoption. (DDR)

Distinguishes between natural resource programs and natural resource projects and provides a project planning outline. Addresses critical elements and concerns in the development of natural resource programs. (DDR)

Summarizes what is known about two major variables involved in certain types of chemical pollution that seem to be changing the structure of the Earth's atmosphere. Discusses the greenhouse effect and the ozone layer. (TW)

Describes a project designed to deliver statistically sound evidence of improved student learning in classrooms using the environment as an integrating context for learning. (DDR)

Examines five major curriculum theories: (1) information-based; (2) behavioral approaches; (3) community problem solving/action research; (4) integrated; and (5) bonding with nature. These theories touch on the role of action in environmental education programs. Also discusses the Action Learning Triangle--learning through action, learning from…

Points out how invaluable experiences are in shaping children's ideas about the environment. Discusses the role that literature can play in providing environmental education experiences to children. (DDR)

Describes a program in the Bellevue (Washington) public schools in which elementary and middle school teachers and students raise coho and Chinook salmon in the classroom and later release them into a nearby stream. (TW)

Examines how educators might best address the complex and highly charged issue of population growth. Suggestions include the importance of conforming to national education standards, non-threatening ways to introduce the issue, tracking global trends, and demonstrating linkages between population and environmental issues. (AIM)

Discusses the causes, sources, and problems associated with acid deposition in the Pacific Northwest. Includes a learning activity about acid rain, "Deadly Skies," which was adapted from the Project WILD Aquatic Supplement. (TW)

Includes an environmental education curriculum assessment instrument designed to determine how well curriculum materials reflect some accepted goals of environmental education. (TW)

Describes a project in the Bellingham Cooperative School (Washington) in which teachers and students, along with parents and community volunteers, are involved in a 24-acre wildlife enhancement effort. (TW)