Directors and faculty members representing undergraduate environmental science/studies, in conjunction with the American Institute of Biological Sciences generated this report on the current status of and future prospects in undergraduate environmental science (ES) education. Despite their varied backgrounds and the diverse nature of their…

The diversity of life is an irreplaceable asset to humanity and to the biosphere. It provides both immediate and long-term benefits, and its maintenance is essential to sustainable development worldwide. Components of life that vanish in the next decades will be gone forever; those that remain will provide future options for humanity. This…

Originally designed for gifted students, these reproducible ecology units emphasize the use of higher order thinking skills and are appropriate for use in any classroom. Interdisciplinary in content, the units provide a broad view of ecology. Included are two complete units, one created for the upper elementary gifted student and the other for the…

Biological diversity, also commonly called genetic diversity, refers to the variety of organisms on Earth. Scientists are concerned that many species will become extinct because of extensive development in the tropical regions. This packet is designed to increase student's awareness about direct and indirect causes of extinction, endangered…

Connotations for the word "environment" have increased to include a wide range of meanings. It has become a political force with candidates of most major parties being very conscious of what is referred to as the "environment vote." In the classroom and society, "environment" is a controversial issue. For example, at…

Forty-five activity-oriented gardening and environmental education activities suitable for grades 4-6 are presented. They include such topics as demonstrating how to plan, plant, care for and harvest herb, flower, and vegetable gardens. This book teaches a basic understanding of plant growth and development through the use of illustrations and…

This is a guide for use with "Ladybugs and Lettuce Leaves" activity cards which are activities for elementary school students (grades 4 to 6) focusing on gardening. It includes educational objectives for each topic as well as lists of vocabulary words, comments, questions for discussion, additional activities, and resources. An interdisciplinary…

Over 100 objectives, each accompanied by a related evaluation item, dealing with elementary school life sciences, are presented. The objectives are organized into the following categories: individual organism; population; environment; community; and ecosystem. Objectives are based on an examination of leading curriculum materials in the life…

This sourcebook, developed for teachers of ecology, biology, general science and hygiene, contains 27 lesson plans that have been organized into 5 units. The units are: The Dynamics of Pollution, Conservation and the Environment, Biological Controls and their Relationship to the Environment, Urban Ecology, and Environment and Health. The lesson…

Defines wetlands and lists several types of wetland habitat. Describes explorations that can be done with secondary school students including the baby boom, a food pyramid, and microenvironments. Includes a classroom poster with text on the variety of wetlands. (CW)

This guide is designed to help teachers develop an inquiry-oriented program for studying the animal kingdom in which live animals are collected locally, studied, observed, and then released completely unharmed back into their natural habitats. This book addresses such concerns of life science teachers as the environmental soundness of methods and…

Discusses ways people who live in rain forests make a living and some of the products that enrich our lives. Provides activities covering forest people, tropical treats, jungle in the pantry, treetop explorers, and three copyable pages to accompany activities. (Author/RT)

Illustrates the basis for misleading statements about the relationship between pH and acid content in acid rain. Explains why pH cannot be used as a measure of acidity for rain or any other solution. Suggests that teachers present acidity and pH as two separate and distinct concepts. (RT)

Until about the 1940s, schools and universities considered observation and direct experience of one's natural surroundings to be a worthwhile educational endeavor, leading to a nature-literate citizenry. Now, lab-based biological studies and environmental education in the classroom have mostly replaced nature study, reducing the possibility of…

The increasing loss of biological diversity, resulting from the loss of genetic diversity, the extinction of species, and the destruction of ecosystems, constitutes a crisis of global proportions. The resources being committed to its resolution are relatively small. This document summarizes a survey of U.S.-based organizations involved in…