This document was designed to help teachers provide ninth grade students in New York City with opportunities to learn about scientific processes as well as basic reasoning skills which underlie problem-solving processes in scientific and nonscientific disciplines. The first section of the guide, "The Environment," contains lessons which deal with soil, hazardous wastes, wildlife refuges, the water cycle, water treatment, acid rain, basic concepts about air, air pollution, environmental careers, and individual environmental responsibilities. Section two, "Health and Diseasd," contains activities on the topics of infectious and noninfectious diseases, natural defenses against disease, the identification of new diseases, and health related careers. At the end of each unit is a list of review questions. Also included is a bibliography for students, a list of government sources for further information, selected teacher references, a list of filmstrips, some suggested field trips, and a survey form for the teacher's evaluation of the curriculum materials. (TW)