Focusing upon a working knowledge of ecological principles as a requisite for today's society, this teacher's guide suggests numerous field studies which make pertinent use of these principles. It is designed to serve as an aid in planning student-centered activities which allow for understanding and improving the ecosystem in which they are an integral part. To assist the teacher with field activities, a series of descriptions of Brevard County, Florida, plant and animal communities is provided. The major section of the guide suggests field investigations in several areas: biomes and ecosystems, population and communities, nutrition web, aquatic ecology, and man vs. nature. Background information, purpose of the activity, materials required, and procedures to follow are enumerated with diagrams and charts drawn when necessary. Also included are ideas for water and sewage analysis, a listing of possible case studies relevant to ecological problems in Florida, and a review of procedures in selecting and developing study sites for an ecology improvement project. Miscellaneous teacher reference and resource material is appended. This work was prepared under an ESEA Title III contract. (BL)