A trip to the zoo can be a terrific way for young children to learn about animals, especially using planned learning experiences. Presents some activities for use before, during, and after a trip to the zoo. (NB)

Presents a lab that can be offered after students have learned the basic anatomy and physiology of the various phyla, the primary objective of which is to explore and apply their acquired knowledge to a new situation. Involves exploring the anatomy and life-style of the squid. (JRH)

Presents the study of declining Anuran populations as a mystery to be solved by teams of investigators. Student teams research assigned topics and develop scenarios to explain the declining populations. Provides background information on Anurans along with clue sheets. Describes possible extensions for the activity and provides the source for a…

Presents ZOOMANIA, the see-hear-and-do approach to foreign language teaching and learning. Suggests ways for sequencing and tailoring advanced-level characteristics to lower-level learners, details the four hierarchical phases of the approach with clear examples and suggestions, provides recommendations for expanding its use, and includes helpful…

Offers brief annotations of 26 picture books and chapter books that all deal with special relationships between and among people, or connecting people to nature and/or animals. (SR)

This article reviews auditory deprivation effects on anatomy, physiology, and behavior in animals and discusses the sequelae of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children. Focused on are central auditory processing disorders associated with early fluctuating hearing loss from OME. (DB)

Describes a series of new Discovery Programs called Family Zoo Adventures conducted at the Minnesota Zoo for elementary students. The series reflect a '90s approach to nontraditional teaching, focusing on the process of personal discovery and interactive learning. (LZ)

Describes the easy collection procedures and classroom uses of live planarians. Suggests that the use of live animals in the classroom will allow students to observe different biological processes exhibited by living organisms. (ZWH)

Discusses the way Lynn Hall uses animals in her novels. Shows how her use of animals varies from background to the focus of the story, often as central object of the heroine's affection. Analyzes Hall's animal novels as archetypically romantic in pattern. (HB)

Using discovery stations offers solutions for increasing attendance at park interpretive programs. Compact, portable stations can be used in playgrounds, special events, trailheads, picnic areas, campgrounds, nursing homes, and scouts and day camps. Describes a case in which stations were used 85 times and reached 4,927 visitors between July 1996…

Presents a simulation activity in which students assume the role of grizzly bears in Banff National Park. Concepts such as species diversity, fitness, natural selection, habitat loss, extinction, and population dynamics are discussed. Children learn how human activities can affect the bear's reproductive success. Lists materials, instructional…

Discusses nine books (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry) for children that center on bats. Focuses on one book ("Silverwing") as an example of the animal fantasy genre, which can tell the adventures of a particular animal, impart environmental knowledge and concerns, and include intriguing, solid facts about the animal in question. Offers…

Presents an activity in which first grade students learn why camouflage is important to an animal's survival. Students see living examples of animals who use camouflage for protection, then create their own camouflaged animals and hide them around the classroom. For assessment, students write and illustrate five things they learned from the study…

Describes an activity in which students explore how animals hide in nature by using protective coloring and camouflage. Integrates science, math, language arts, art, and physical movement. (SAH)