National Geography Standard 1 requires that students learn:"How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information" (Heffron and Downs 2012). These concepts have real-world applicability. For example, elevation contour maps are common in many…

Predator-prey dynamics are an important concept in ecology, often serving as an introduction to the field of community ecology. However, these dynamics are difficult for students to observe directly. We describe a methodology that employs model caterpillars made of clay to estimate rates of predator attack on a prey species. This approach can be…

This book presents essential learning approaches. It introduces educational and training activities, as well as various innovative methods aiming at the development of practical skills, in order to strengthen the continuous process of environmental education, and in particular the education for sustainable development (ESD). In doing so, it…

All schools are located in "watersheds," land that drains into bodies of water. Some watersheds, like the one which encompasses the school discussed in this article, include bodies of water that are walking distance from the school. The watershed cited in this article has a brook and wetland within a several-block walk from the school. This…

Considerable research has compared how students learn science from computer simulations with how they learn from "traditional" classes. Little research has compared how students learn science from computer simulations with how they learn from direct experience in the real environment on which the simulations are based. This study compared two…

Explains the equipment and procedure necessary to conduct a successful field study of birds. Lists books, periodicals and recordings helpful in bird study and outlines a series of activities that students can conduct with birds. (GS)

This paper describes how second/third year undergraduates with little prior botanical knowledge, attending a one-week field course in Western Scotland, were enabled to complete within one day an intensive phytosociological exercise. They showed that two stands of heathland vegetation were objectively different through identification of plants,…

In September 2002, Salter's Nuffield Advanced Biology ("SNAB") began a three year pilot phase in schools, representing the first major innovation in UK biology education since the 1970s. One part of the AS level coursework was a report on an "Issue of Biological Interest". This could be based on an actual visit outside school…

Provides a description of the geological history of the Naracoorte area of South Australia, and outlines how an excursion to the Naracoorte caves can be used to teach major ideas in biology. Background information including questions and activities are suggested. (JR)

The sport of orienteering is described briefly and ideas are presented that may be useful to the earth science teacher. (SA)

Described are activities involving interpreting tracks in snow to determine under what conditions the tracks were made and what made the tracks. (SL)

Describes a field exercise exemplifying aspects of the variable source area model. States that objectives of the exercise are to ensure that students understand why there is a variation in discharge in different parts of a basin, learn a dilution gauging method, and perform necessary calculations. Appendices describe the Gulp Injection method and…