This study aims to understand middle and high school students' ecosystem knowledge including knowledge about the food web, food pyramid, and energy flow. The data were collected from 250 middle school and high school students. Students' drawings were used to collect data and coded as correct, wrong, or no answer. Then, students' wrong answers were…

Describes two working models of moths that can be used to test the eyespot function as an aversive property. Uses simple mechanical and electrical models as the "moths" and wild birds as the predators. Includes diagrams, methods, models, validation statements, and a discussion. (RT)

Describes results and experiences of four field-course experiments designed to explore the relationships between animals and their physical environment. Reports on the response of animals to flow rate of water, relationship between size and rate of locomotion, and mathematical and physical techniques used to study how animals live. (RT)

Identified some of the misconceptions held by secondary science students (N=232) related to selected ecological concepts and generalizations. Lists the alternative conceptions expressed by these students on food chains and energy flows and pyramids. Offers perspectives on dealing with the sources of the misconceptions. (ML)

Ecological case study data were used to determine high school pupils' and university students' ability to organize and use these data to predict outcomes of interaction between populations within a community. The poor quality of answers given by the respondents suggests that explicit teaching, prior to the use of the case study, may greatly…

Presents a set of simulation models for use in teaching population dynamics. These models are designed specifically for use with a programmable pocket calculator, and can be used to demonstrate growth of populations with discrete or overlapping generations and also to explore effects of density-dependent and -independent mortality. (Author/CS)

Discusses how the nature of the rock and, particularly, its fossils can be used in ecology courses for schools and colleges to help students to deduce the nature of the environment at the time the rock was deposited. A checklist and ways of identifying geological sites and fossils are included. (HM)

A portable and inexpensive blowfly trap, constructed from flower pots/buckets and mesh, suitable for introductory studies in blowfly succession is described. Investigations that examine species composition over time and the differences between baits are discussed. (KR)

The value and difficulties of long-term ecological monitoring studies undertaken in schools and colleges are reviewed. Rookeries, stream ecology, sand dune succession, fish population, and seed production and survival are presented as examples of successful studies. This is followed by a discussion of points to consider when setting up a long-term…

The population of Gyrinus, the whirligig beetle, is assessed using the Lincoln mark-recapture index. This technique has the advantage of helping the student to understand simple proportion as well as other concepts. (Author)