This article reports on a classroom study of a unit on New Zealand birds that focused on adaptation and conservation in a Year 7 class. The unit used a "context as social circumstances" model. The researchers observed the nine lessons and interviewed students, the classroom teacher, and three other teachers who had taught the same unit.…

"Non-native organisms are a major threat to biodiversity". This statement is often made by biologists, but general conclusions cannot be drawn easily because of contradictory evidence. To introduce pupils aged 11-14 years to this topic, we employed an educational program dealing with non-native animals in Central Europe. The pupils took…

Students love learning outdoors, but how do you ensure they are absorbing the science and gaining skills as they do so? The authors found a way--a fourth-grade classroom teacher, a gifted/science resource teacher, and a group of fourth graders--embarked on a yearlong study of birds and the plants they depend on. They used their school yard as the…

Describes the behavior and characteristics of Canada geese. (CM)

Traces the roots of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, which provides programs to encourage outdoor experiences. Summarizes a forum on natural history education titled, "Breaking the Barriers: Linking Children and Nature." Lists strategies for improving environmental education and objectives for the institute. (KS)

Discusses questions such as how birds fly and the meaning of bird songs. Explains the relationship between birds and ecological activism and points out the excitement in research and observation of birds. (Contains 34 references.) (YDS)

Describes the redwing blackbird, focusing on the period from March, when the redwings migrate to the northern United States to begin the breeding cycle, to September, when they start to flock for their migration south. Topics include physical characteristics, habitat, breeding, nest building, and migration. (JHZ)

Illustrates the use of nomenclature or binomial classification of animals, birds, and plants in using color, physical characteristics, numbers, places, direct meanings, behaviors, uses, and names for people. (ERB)

This series of leaflets provides information about nature education in outdoor settings. Each issue begins with an account of a personal experience with children in nature. Following the personal narrative is a section titled, "A Nature Primer," which provides scientific information about a topic in nature. The next section, "Ready,…

In this educational supplement, the requirements for successfully luring birds, mammals and other wildlife to the home are presented. Information concerning appropriate feeding stations, type of feed, water supply, beneficial plants and adequate shelter is detailed. (BT)

Through corporate support, a bird-watching program was implemented at a summer camp for underprivileged New York City children. The program featured oversized flashcards containing color photos and facts about each bird, instruction on use of binoculars, and a hands-on experience in which campers used binoculars to identify bird cards placed in…

Suggests activities for the study of hawk migration: development of identification skills using the accompanying flying hawk silhouettes, photographs, and drawings; binocular spotting games; selection and outfitting of a hawk watching station; follow-up map study; ecological and historical perspectives. (NEC)

Describes a bird-study and banding activity designed for students in urban and suburban areas. (PEB)

Describes activities and resources that mix fun with scholarship in a secondary, elective ornithology course: all-day and class-period field trips; use of field guides, textbooks, periodicals, films, puzzles, records, correspondence courses; bird-banding operations; wildlife rehabilitation centers; Federation of New York State Bird Clubs; New York…

The Asa Wright Nature Center, on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, offers a diversity of wildlife species: 108 mammals, 400 birds, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians, and over 600 butterflies. Learning opportunities include art and photography instruction, lectures, interpretive nature walks, annual resident seminars, and a two-day trip to Tobago. (MH)