National Geography Standard 1 requires that students learn:"How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information" (Heffron and Downs 2012). These concepts have real-world applicability. For example, elevation contour maps are common in many…

Predator-prey dynamics are an important concept in ecology, often serving as an introduction to the field of community ecology. However, these dynamics are difficult for students to observe directly. We describe a methodology that employs model caterpillars made of clay to estimate rates of predator attack on a prey species. This approach can be…

This book presents essential learning approaches. It introduces educational and training activities, as well as various innovative methods aiming at the development of practical skills, in order to strengthen the continuous process of environmental education, and in particular the education for sustainable development (ESD). In doing so, it…

All schools are located in "watersheds," land that drains into bodies of water. Some watersheds, like the one which encompasses the school discussed in this article, include bodies of water that are walking distance from the school. The watershed cited in this article has a brook and wetland within a several-block walk from the school. This…

Explains the equipment and procedure necessary to conduct a successful field study of birds. Lists books, periodicals and recordings helpful in bird study and outlines a series of activities that students can conduct with birds. (GS)

Considerable research has compared how students learn science from computer simulations with how they learn from "traditional" classes. Little research has compared how students learn science from computer simulations with how they learn from direct experience in the real environment on which the simulations are based. This study compared two…

Provides a description of the geological history of the Naracoorte area of South Australia, and outlines how an excursion to the Naracoorte caves can be used to teach major ideas in biology. Background information including questions and activities are suggested. (JR)

The sport of orienteering is described briefly and ideas are presented that may be useful to the earth science teacher. (SA)

Described are activities involving interpreting tracks in snow to determine under what conditions the tracks were made and what made the tracks. (SL)

Describes a field exercise exemplifying aspects of the variable source area model. States that objectives of the exercise are to ensure that students understand why there is a variation in discharge in different parts of a basin, learn a dilution gauging method, and perform necessary calculations. Appendices describe the Gulp Injection method and…

The concept of community energy flow provides a basis for a field course. This paper describes the methodology used in a field course for estimating parameters and for monitoring physical environmental variables. The paper culminates in the construction of a model of energy flow through the community. (Author/MA)

Describes a class investigation as to why scale insects (Family Coccidae) should attack only one of three liquid amber trees on the school grounds. (JR)