As a part of the interim unit materials in the series produced by the Australian Science Education Project, this teachers' guide is composed of five sections: an introduction to nature in the balance, tests, excursion activities, options, and research activities. Options are under the headings: The Changing Face, Australian Soils, Distribution of…

Expresses concern over recent actions by coalitions of neighborhood activists and animal rightists in the San Francisco area that are seeking to block new biology laboratories. Argues that costly delays and disurption of research could result. (TW)

Discusses displays/facilities to bring nature into schools. These include: hallway cases, cages, and aquaria (backed by bulletin boards to reinforce reading/spelling skills) holding carnivorous plants, reptiles, saltwater/freshwater fish and mammals. An outdoor learning center, farm (including 200 ducks, sheep, and cows) and weather station are…

This curriculum guide was developed for use with public television's Nature series. The materials in the guide are designed to help students actively participate in the study and experience of nature. Students are encouraged to view the programs as naturalists would in order to gain a better understanding of animals, their habits and habitats, and…

Following a letter of transmittal, this document presents General Agent of Education in Alaska Sheldon Jackson's "13th Annual Report on the Introduction of Domestic Reindeer into Alaska." Winter 1902-03 was unusually severe, but despite difficult conditions overall the reindeer fared unusually well. Currently there are 11 herds of…

Use of motion pictures and videotape recordings to analyze animal behavior is described. Indicates that accuracy/amount of data available is greatly increased and that simultaneous behaviors of different animals can be studied or individual behavior patterns increased/decreased, providing observers with temporal perceptions similar to the animals…

Urges the inclusion of comparative psychology in the undergraduate curriculum. Defines zoological or comparative psychology as a field that explores the behavior patterns and minds of many animal species and the genesis, control, and consequences of a range of behavioral patterns. Traces the history and development of the discipline. Discusses…

Describes the construction of a variety of inexpensive, escape-proof, and safe insect homes--each complete with window, ventilation screen, and cover--so students can observe firsthand the intriguing world of insects. (PR)

Describes a program in which biology students study animals in pet shops to learn about animal behavior. Lists general guidelines for starting a partnership and presents two sample student activities. (WRM)

Reports on the results of a survey meant to ascertain the views of 16- to 18-year-old students (n=778) on using animals in medical research. Suggests that students have no greater objection to the use of genetically engineered animals over naturally bred animals in medical research. Contains 16 references. (Author/WRM)

Presents four elementary hands-on science activities that highlight animal adaptation (how birds' beaks are adapted to suit their habitats), the water cycle (how nature cleans rainwater that seeps into the ground), aquatic ecosystems (changes over time in an aquatic habitat), and animal habitats (all living beings' need for food, water, shelter,…

Two experiments examined pigeons' generalization to intermediate forms following training of concept discriminations. In Experiment 1, the training stimuli were sets of images of dogs and cats, and the transfer stimuli were head/body chimeras, which humans tend to categorize more readily in terms of the head part rather than the body part. In…

Despite the seminal studies of response differentiation by the method of successive approximation detailed in chapter 8 of "The Behavior of Organisms" (1938), B. F. Skinner never actually shaped an operant response by hand until a memorable incident of startling serendipity on the top floor of a flour mill in Minneapolis in 1943. That occasion…

Many instructors have expressed a recent interest in incorporating service-learning activities into their courses. Several authors have maintained that service-learning opportunities help students to better understand class concepts and also lead to desirable outcomes in students, such as enhanced self esteem and an increased interest in social…

A partnership between a university and a science and technology magnet school brings a renowned herpetologist. Dr. Meg Stewart, to involve third-graders in her studies of coqui frogs. These students prepared to meet this scientist with a series of lesson plans (eight activities and four lab lessons) to learn the anatomy, behavior, and diversity of…