This booklet, one of six in the Living Things Science series, presents activities about diversity and classification of living things which address basic "Benchmarks" suggested by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for the Living Environment for grades 3-5. Contents include background information, vocabulary (in…

Argues for an original structure for field guides, a structure that encourages induction on the part of the student and allows the student to create flexible taxa based on ecologically and evolutionary relevant field marks. Students will become more familiar with the multiple bases of taxonomy. (PR)

A different approach is used to develop taxonomy concepts. A traditional outline of each phylum under consideration is given to students, together with a series of questions. Students must then determine relationships within the outline by answering the questions. (Author/JN)

Seven steps are given for identifying a rock or a mineral. (SA)

Presents nine science activities to help students improve their thinking and problem solving skills. Activities cover the science process skills of classifying, ordering, space-time relationships, inferring, predicting, and elaborating. (MKR)

The concept of paraphyly is defined and its importance in the teaching of evolution and taxonomy is discussed. Examples are included to illustrate this concept. A list of 14 references is provided. (CW)

Describes the classification, number, and origin of wildflowers in North America. Discusses the use of a poster attached to the journal that includes activities to help students develop an awareness and appreciation of the native flora of North America. Additional activities are referred to in a list of 20 additional resources. (MDH)

Examines the use of different terms in chemistry. Addresses the use of imprecise, uninformative, inappropriate, and wrong terms, as well as the lack of clarity in imprecise or uninformative names for methods of chemical analysis. Provides lists of examples of both types of terminology problems. (TW)

Presents a classification scheme for identifying sedimentary rocks in introductory geology laboratories. The key consists of an ordered sequence of tests to perform and observations to make which then suggests a rock name or directs the student to additional tests and/or observations. (ML)

Describes a field exercise which links ecology and taxonomy in the teaching of the species concept. Two common hedgerow plants (red and white campions) are used as a pair of "species" that are normally distinct. Plants of intermediate character can be encountered, and the status of these plants is investigated. (Author/JN)

Described is an activity which uses a 96-well reaction plate and soda straws to construct a model of the periodic table of the elements. The model illustrates the ionization energies of the various elements. Construction of the model and related concepts are discussed. (CW)

Describes a project to help students shift from the precision they expect in science to the more ambiguous nature of taxonomy. Students are asked to project themselves 500 years into the future when, as a result of humankind's pollution, there are only 10 remaining organisms. Some organisms are unlike any previously known. Students name and…

Proposes that identification keys provide an orderly strategy for the identification of igneous and metamorphic rocks in an introductory geology course. Explains the format employed in the system and includes the actual key guides for both igneous and metamorphic rocks. (ML)

Reports on the status of the teaching of taxonomy in advanced biology classes in the United Kingdom. Reviews findings related to examination requirements, the principles, terminology, and methods of taxonomy, the understanding and attitudes of teachers of taxonomy principles, and the position of the topic in the advanced biology syllabus. (ML)

Describes materials and methods used with severely visually handicapped students studying for 0- and A-levels in biology. Indicates that the materials (such as a key to British broad-leaved trees) and strategies included are valuable for all students of ecology. (JN)