Employing the theoretical framework of ecological psychology, this article uses observations of children in a Danish forest preschool to identify features of the forest that the children engaged with frequently, with a particular focus on affordances of "small animals." The article describes children's fascination and interactions with…

This study sought to explore the implications for individuals who experienced awe while in the presence of wildlife. A conceptual framework was adapted that integrated the theory of emotional learning with experiential learning theory. In-depth interviews brought into focus the resultant learning stemming from experiences of wildlife-inspired awe.…

Limited public outreach programs about Arizona native fish exist and those that do are passive, fee-based, or Web-oriented, while others limit their geographic range. The program this article addresses sought to improve this situation with development of a state-wide outreach program with a goal to educate Arizona's children about native fish with…

This article presents results of utilizing a college course design that is based on experiential learning theory and experiential education methods. The subject matter of the course included how human dimensions, economic development, and policy affect the sustainability of natural resources such as water, wildlife, and forestry in a highly ranked…

An open field--with its wildflowers, grasses, and vole tunnels--became an instant classroom. Students' senses were awakened there, and upon entering a nearby forest, they immediately detected a difference: less light and cooler air. "Why are there no grasses in the forest? Why aren't there ferns in the field?" These and other questions emerged as…

Several hands-on whole science activities help elementary students learn about animals' diets and how they affect other animals. One activity involves identifying animals as carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores. Another has students construct food chains. Two across-the-curriculum ideas involve naming carnivores and preparing imaginary menus for…

Methods for teaching pupils to use their senses to explore colors, shapes, textures, and sounds of the great outdoors are described. Ideas include: (1) having children hug their own special tree; (2) looking for geometric shapes in nature; (3) taking nocturnal nature walks; (4) building a track for racing insects; and (5) collecting objects with…

Describes some of the characteristics of various reptiles. Contains teaching activities including making reptile number books and identification keys, flip-ups about cobras, puzzles involving graphing, and group presentations. Includes reproducible handouts to be used with some of the activities. (TW)

A thematic and hands-on approach to learning ensures that students develop a deeper understanding and retain information longer. Bouillion and Gomez (2001) argue that real-world problems and school-community partnerships help engage students to connect with school science. When there is a disconnect between the activities of school science and…

Describes some of the characteristics of amphibians. Contains teaching activities ranging from a "frog sing-along" to lessons on amphibian adaptations, and night hikes to identify frog calls. Includes reproducible handouts to be used with the activities, and a quiz. (TW)

This study used a 2-by-4 factorial design crossing the amount of information about snakes with the level of involvement students had with live specimens to evaluate the effects of an intensive environmental education experience on the attitudes of fifth- through eighth-grade students (n=502) toward wildlife. (Contains 24 references.) (MDH)

Reports results of a survey of 36 college students who played the Commons Game. This game was developed to illustrate the behavioral patterns, complexities, and frustrations involved in management of commons resources, cited as a major concern for future generations. (10 references) (MCO)

Twenty-four stories in this book provide a program of study in Native North American Indian culture. The stories introduce the concepts of wildlife ecology and environmental and stewardship issues concerning animals, habitat, and natural history. The field-tested activities encourage creative thinking and synthesis of knowledge and experience by…

Summaries of 18 conference presentations on diverse topics related to outdoor education are collected in this combination journal and newsletter, which also covers conference events and organizational business. Presentation summaries--generally one or two pages in length--provide highlights of the presentations as well as some guidelines for…

The environmental education curriculum in this package emphasizes biological diversity. The curriculum contains 10 units--each dealing with a specific concept relating to biological diversity. Each unit contains hands-on activities designed to make children aware of the importance of maintaining a biologically diverse world. Some activities are…