A group of Maine birdwatchers recognizes that the presence or absence of migrating songbirds is related to complex biospheric patterns. For schoolchildren, community groups, and environmental scientists, such local natural history observations can be a pathway to perceiving and understanding global ecological change and then to developing…

While modern science is receiving harsh criticism within the framework of environmental education, at the same time ecology is presented as an alternative science, characterized as 'holistic' and 'non-exploitative'. However, many of the characteristics of the science of ecology do not comply with its characterization as alternative science.…

Describes a new college values program that focuses on how values are formed and their influences on our understanding and treatment of the environment. (LS)

The development of the Estuarine Resource Technician (ERT) Program, its curriculum, student recruitment, placement, faculty and facilities, problems and potential applications are described. (MW)

This annual report of the Assembly of Life Sciences (ALS) covers the fiscal year from July 1, 1978 to June 30, 1979. The report has four major sections: (1) Special Programs of the Executive Office; (2) Division of Biological Sciences; (3) Division of Medical Sciences; and (4) Board on Toxicology and Environmental Health Hazards. The activities…

This publication serves as a guide to activities and strategies in environmental education. Lesson plans include objectives and suggested procedures in dealing with the following environmental concepts: (1) The earth is a vast but limited natural system; (2) The total environment is in constant change; (3) A living thing is the product of its…

Described is the construction and use of an environmental garden. The garden serves as a source of both indoor and outdoor laboratory materials, including vascular plants, fungi, algae, mosses, zooplankton, and macroscopic invertebrates. (BB)

Simulated environments eliminate distracting details, thus making possible a careful attention to particular systems and concepts. (MJB)

Discusses how to get a job in academic outdoor education, particularly at the Yosemite Institute. (BB)

The various kinds of animals and insects that inhabit or visit a pond community are illustrated and described. Drawings of pond vegetation are included. (BT)

This analysis aims to be a tool to reach out to the public on the issue of biodiversity. It is designed for executive directors, program directors, educators and communicators, and other leaders who plan and implement public communication and education programs and campaigns about environmental issues, including biodiversity. The roadmap intends…

This activity is used to introduce students to biology in general and the significance of environmental studies. The focus of the ecosystem survey is to examine the effects humans have on the environment. After completing a series of investigations, students develop their own hypothesis about human impact on the environment, and then test this on…

This activity features students carrying out an outdoor study of a 10-by-10 meter area in which they identify organisms living in the soil, plants, insects, and any other animals living within or immediately adjacent to the site. Groups also examine abiotic factors in the same study site. Students work in teams, share data, and each write a paper…

Discusses the relationship between population size and pollution, and suggests that the optimal population level toward which we should strive would be that level at which man is in balance with the biosphere in terms of pollution production and degradation, coupled with a harmless steady-state background pollution level. (JR)

Author proposes a community study project of their own environment in order for students to better understand the interdependence of living things. (GB)