Agricultural and natural resource managers face complex problems that involve thinking across multiple disciplines, particularly in North America where professionals often work in multi-use landscapes containing both private and public lands. Here we describe a multidisciplinary, conflictbased experiential learning course we developed to prepare…

The theory of evolution can be a useful basis for developing students' understanding of ecology. Our study used concept maps to examine the development of sixth-grade students' understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem following several evolution 'Science Days' conducted at 'Nature Campus' -- an informal learning environment comprised of a natural…

The authors argue that the narrowing of the K-12 curriculum in the past twenty years has changed the relationship between K-12 schoolteachers and the community. Using an ecological perspective as the theoretical lens, the article describes these changes as well as an effort by an economic development organization in Indiana to help rebuild those…

In this paper we argue for the need for a thoughtful and intentional pedagogy in experiential environmental learning that educates for empathetic relationships with humans, nonhuman others, and natural systems, or field philosophy. After discussing the tensions in various ecofeminist perspectives, we highlight relevant ecofeminist ideas and thread…

This article explores the potential benefits of creating "virtual ecosystems" from real-world data. These ecosystems are intended to be realistic virtual representations of environments that may be costly or difficult to access in person. They can be constructed as 3D worlds rendered from stereo video data, augmented with scientific data, and then…

Using the wealth of sites available in the Chicago metropolitan area, online learning technologies, and classroom interactions, Roosevelt University's seminar "The Sustainable City" takes a multidisciplinary approach to urban ecology, waste management, green design, climate change, urban planning, parklands, water systems, environmental…

An esthetic appeal is presented for the harmonious interrelationship of man and his environment. (CP)

A high school teacher describes the learning that occurred when she and a group of bright students went on a 10-day snake hunting trip to the South Carolina swamps. (SP)

teachers and children alike learn a reverence for life in this hands-on approach to the study of oceanography and marine ecology. (WY)

Discussed is the philosophical basis and development of wilderness education as part of the higher education curriculum. A list of characteristics of successful wilderness field trips is presented. (RE)

This instructional packet is one of 14 school environmental education programs developed for use in the classroom and at the Dahlem Environmental Education Center (DEEC) of the Jackson Community College (Michigan). Provided in the packet are pre-trip activities, field trip activities, and post-trip activities which focus on various geological…

This collection of activities uses outdoor education and field trips to teach concepts of multi-disciplinary interest along with lessons in ecology and environment. Teaching modules usually include information on grade level, main subject being addressed, theme, objectives, and other useful information in addition to instructions for the activity.…

The purpose of this community study unit is to help fifth grade students understand the pathways energy takes as it flows through several communities. Each of these communities are examined as working systems. The energy pathways are similar, but slightly different as the energy flows through the members of each community. The unit involves many…

Polk County's environmental education program was integrated into the existing curriculum, K-12, by employing an interdisciplinary approach coordinating the various disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the following phases of environmental education at the designated grade level: (1) primary - awareness, (2) intermediate - concern and information,…

Briefly traces the development and planning of a one-week interdisciplinary field course for high school students which focuses on the ecology, geology, history, and culture of Big Bend National Park, Texas. Provides a narrative of each day's events. (DC)