This book is a collection of life science classroom demonstrations. Explanations that review key concepts are included. Topics are: stimulus and response; gravitropism; phototropism; living organisms; carbon dioxide; gases emitted by plants; greenhouse effect; stomata; transpiration; leaf skeletons; seed growth; water evaporation in plants; carbon…

This 23-minute videotape for grades 5-8, presents the myriad of animal life that exists on the planet. Students can view and perform experiments and investigations that help explain animal traits and habits. As animals adapt to new environments, their bodies and life cycles may change over thousands of years. In this video, students find out about…

Children enjoy learning experiences that revolve around animals. Describes a course in which middle-grade students took a field trip to the zoo and sketched various animals. When the students returned to class, they had to do a highly detailed painting based on their favorite sketch. (RM)

Different types of spiders, their ranges and habits are discussed. Activities associated with the study of spiders are suggested. Four references are listed which may be of interest to beginners. (CW)

This report is a dissemination project evaluation of the Wildlife Inquiry through Zoo Education (WIZE) program, a well-known life science program for grades seven through ten that takes a non-traditional, multi-disciplinary approach to learning. The program content focuses on population ecology, wildlife conservation, and species survival. Chapter…

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…

Describes the Fifth Grade Roadkill Study that was designed to make students aware of the types of animals, chiefly mammals, that live in the central piedmont area of North Carolina. Involves students taking a survey of roadkills. Enables students to learn about animals as well as become more familiar with the scientific process. (JRH)

Describes a project where teams of middle school students share their classroom pets and information about them with elementary students. Provides middle school students with experience in research skills and oral presentations. Provides elementary students with an opportunity to learn about the care and habits of the animals and to observe the…

Four brief articles highlighting the habits of spiders are provided. Habits discussed include web building, mating and egg sac care, eating and venom delivery, and the production and uses of spider silk. (CW)

Describes science activities related to endangered species designed to sensitize students to the process of extinction; learn of the human role in that process; and emphasize the importance of National Wildlife Week. Provides activities and games such as drift traps, webbing, making corrections, What animal am I?, and Noah's Ark. (JM)

Described is an integrated investigation to study interdependence among ants. The instructional sequences and results of this activity are provided. A matrix is given which details the content covered in this investigation. (CW)

This document is a scientific study of water, aquatic environments and the plants and animals that live in water. It was written for grades 4-6 but many activities may also be of interest for use with older students. This curriculum covers both marine and freshwater habitats. Each of five sections addresses a question about water which is then…

Discusses strategies to make life science classes more fun by planning activities that include preserved and live specimens. Discusses field trips and collections. (JRH)

Using a unit on earthworms, this article shows how science and language arts can be successfully integrated in a middle school classroom through hands-on observation, interviewing, and writing exercises. The integration process engages students, uses class time more efficiently, encourages dialog, and improves outcomes and appreciation of the…

The concept maps contained in this book (for grades 7-12) span 35 topics in life science. Topics were chosen using the National Science Education Standards as a guide. The practice exercise in concept mapping is included to give students an idea of what the tasks ahead will be in content rich maps. Two levels of concept maps are included for each…