Using part of a school field, English students surveyed a small plot of ground primarily for mapping purposes. This, in turn, led to an investigation of plant, animal, and insect life and accompanying development of awareness skills. (BL)

The author developed a new format for environmental field trips where participants are not passive listeners, but actively involved. Slides that familiarized participants with the criteria for evaluating environmental quality were used prior to the trip. Participants recorded positive and negative indicators on the trip establishing an…

Studies the effects of ecological-restoration fieldwork and in-class instruction on students' ecological behavior, environmental attitudes, and perceptions of restorative qualities in a natural environment. (Author/CCM)

A field ecology course from Cornell University, New York, offering ecological analysis of eight terrestrial communities is described. Four steps in the community analysis approach are outlined. (BL)

An institute program designed to prepare secondary school science teachers to teach environmental concepts is described. Major themes are the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems, development of favorable attitudes, and alternate forms of learning. Participant research and curriculum development are stressed and nine specific…

Described are three programs ranging from short to long-term immersion in backcountry environments. Stresses that wilderness studies direct participants toward reconnecting culture with nature through advocacy and cultivation of the ecological self. (Author/CW)

Described are the results of surveys concerning children's use of outdoor areas. Discusses design criteria for outdoor education areas for children. Provides suggestions for enhancing children's exposure to wildlife. Considers playgrounds, trails, backyards and neighborhood areas. (CW)

This study focuses on secondary students' (n=79) understanding of ecological concepts and the influence of field instruction strategies on their understanding and retention. Results indicate all groups exhibited statistically significant posttest gains and showed evidence of retaining the targeted concepts. (Author/MCO)

The Watershed Learning Center (WLC) was developed by the Brandywine Valley Association (BVA) to provide outdoor environmental lessons to schools on their own properties or on sites close by. Teachers are trained to take over the lessons by observing BVA instructors and attending workshops. The program was evaluated to discover how the WLC was…