The current rapid decline of Earth's biodiversity represents an enormous crisis for humanity. Among the factors producing declines in biodiversity, changes in land use may have the greatest effect in the near term. It is well known that land-use history produces strong, lingering effects on biodiversity. This phenomenon has become known as the…

Human activity has profoundly altered the deciduous forest of the eastern United States. Modern forest is a patchwork of stands of varying ages, sizes, and shapes reflecting a complex history of land use. Much modern forest is nestled in and around human communities, and faces the threat of imminent clearance for residential and commercial…

As part of a curriculum development project entitled Crossing Boundaries, these authors designed an inquiry-based activity that introduces students to landscape change and potential impacts on associated biological communities. Using pairs of current and historical satellite images, students explore landscape change in a variety of U.S. and…

After summarizing the ecology of polluted streams as well as the technology and biology of sewage treatment methods, and considering the economic and social aspects of introducing advanced sewage treatment, comments on the role of biology teachers in providing public information are made. (AL)

Part one of a two-part article sets forth the dimensions and the political-cultural aspects of the use of off-road vehicles in desert areas. Presents arguments for and against off-road vehicle use on national-resource land as exemplified in the California Desert. (Editor/JR)

Presents an exercise that addresses issues of biodiversity, human ecology, and tropical forest loss which requires students to consider several factors surrounding three fictitious land-use scenarios. Stimulates students to first review and then openly debate situations that require the simultaneous consideration of many factors. (JRH)

Discusses the problems of population growth and space utilization, acquisition of land, and planning for rural areas. Techniques available for achieving a physically open society with fewer problems of living space are enumerated. (Author/MA)

An environmentalist examines the factors influencing ecological decline, the options still available for restoring an optimum population-ecology balance, and the difficulties, scientific and cultural, of dealing with the problem. Four immediate prescriptions for improving the lot of future generations are offered. (SL)

Summarized is a land use planning unit which culminates an environmental science course and focuses on inventory and data collection, data reduction, data synthesis, and decision making. Mini units address issues related to natural areas, urban systems, model cities, and future growth. (DC)

Describes a role-playing exercise designed to allow students to make decisions on land use activities while requiring them to address a range of ecological and environmental issues. The activity uses data and information from soil survey manuals in conjunction with a student-created physical topographical model. (WRM)