The article provides a collection of teaching ideas about vertebrate animals. Ideas include making a poem book about a group of animals, rhyming words with animal names, and finding animal names in a puzzle. (DB)

Suggests that the classroom party is a successful tool for teaching students about animals. In addition to information on planning such a party, animal-related activities for each month of the school year as well as instructional strategies are offered. (JN)

Two studies were conducted to (1) discover how often and in what contexts preschool children might hear generic male pronouns, and (2) gauge the extent to which young children have assimilated the idea that the general case of biological being is male. In order to determine when children hear generic male pronouns, regular observations of…

Reviews research on: (1) measuring humane attitudes; (2) American attitudes toward animal life; (3) strategies of humane education; and (4) attitude improvement. Indicates there is reliable evidence that attitudes of Americans toward animal life are strongly negative and that this negativeness increases as children grow older. (JN)

Discusses various animal-related activities that took place in the natural resource area of the Washington Elementary School's (Berkeley, CA) environmental yard. The "yard" is open 24 hours a day and is freely accessible to informal users. (JN)

Compares and contrasts the use of animals in English secondary schools and Australian high schools. Changes in animal usage in English schools over the last decade are described as are the influences that the National Curriculum in England has had on such work. Implications are indicated for Australian and English biology teachers. (Author/MKR)

This theme issue discusses education of gifted students in the areas of math and science. The issue contains several articles, an editorial, a program description, and a profile of an educator. "Our Most Important Investment for the Future: The Education of Our Youth" (Marian C. Diamond) describes educational programs of the Lawrence…

Describes an approach in which junior high school students prepare a sound/slide presentation that focuses on some animal issue. The approach is designed to make them more aware of the problems encountered by animals and to help them develop their ability to process information and to work together. (JN)

Outlines activities of Animal Olympics Day held each spring by Staten Island Zoo. Events blend recreation and education into opportunities for children to "think and act like animals." A turtle obstacle course, human-sized nest building, and smelling to recognize items are examples of contests. Includes suggestions for starting similar…

Offers suggestions for using sow bugs in the classroom, including maintenance, source (found virtually everywhere in damp soil), background information, bibliography, and bulletin board idea. Includes instructions and materials (clue cards) for a fact-finding and hypothesis-testing game in which students determine what kind of an animal…

Thirteen suggestions for student research projects are presented. Project topics include birds, fish, frogs or toads, insects, spiders, crustaceans, mammals, predators, and ecology. The teacher's role in managing student projects is discussed. A list of middle school textbook resources is provided. (KR)

Stresses the importance of teaching children respect for and interest in spiders and insects. Recommends activities to study arthropods in their natural environment that will be exciting to students, sharpen observation skills, and promote respect and understanding. Lists potential excursion sites and preparatory procedures. (BC)

This activity introduces students to major groups of invertebrates that have been found in other polar ocean expeditions and acquaints them with the feeding habits of these animals as a basis for making inferences about benthic communities and their connection to other components of the Artic Ocean ecosystem. The activity provides learning…

A procedure for purifying DNA using either bacteria or rat liver is presented. Directions for doing a qualitative DNA assay using diphenylamine and a quantitative DNA assay using spectroscopy are included. (KR)

Suggesting using the cockroach as a free resource to teach students lessons on population dynamics and habitat management that apply to all wildlife. Presents suggestions on how and where to locate and trap cockroaches. Emphasizes the importance of controlling their population without using dangerous pesticides. (BC)