Describes a high school summer program in field ecology designed to give students a first-hand understanding of their own biotic environment, to acquaint them with the organisms, relationships, and complexities of local habitats, and to introduce them to the methods and techniques of discovering and gathering information about nature. (JR)

Described are the organization, focus, field and laboratory components, evaluation, and costs of the program. The rationale of this approach is presented. Benefits to the students and faculty involved are discussed. (CW)