Describes a program in environmental education in which secondary school students and teachers extensively studied the North-eastern region of the United States on a one month camping trip. Details of the budget, suggested personal equipment, and group camping equipment are provided. (JR)

Describes a field project and associated activities used by the author with high school students in analyzing the Osage-type underfit stream. (PR)

Discusses the three phases of a three-day intensive research study field trip: planning and pre-trip training; actual trip; and post-trip report, research and data organization, and final trip evaluation. Included is a sample program of the limnology field trip taken by the Grafton High School, Wisconsin. (CC)

Describes the procedures used by a high school biology class in an ecological study related to the degeneration of grasslands. The canopy-coverage method of vegetational analysis was used to compare a low-grade, over-grazed pasture with a nearby high-quality prairie. An interpretation of the results is also presented. (JR)

Addresses problems associated with biology fieldwork and the teaching of ecology. Points out the need for the development of an objective approach in evaluating the effectiveness of fieldwork exercises. Reports on the evaluation of concept education by transect exercises. (ML)

Provided are lists of materials, procedures, questions, common animals possibly found, and techniques for use on a field trip. (CW)

Designed to examine the nature of ideas that students hold about specific scientific concepts and to investigate modes of instruction that would effectively help them gain an accurate understanding of their world, this study focused on students' conceptions of ecological concepts and the influence of field instruction strategies on students'…

Describes a lab exercise used to demonstrate the measurement of biomass in a three layered forest. Discusses sampling, estimation methods, and the analysis of results. Presents an example of a summary sheet for this activity. (CW)

Reviews the goals and methodology of an investigative unit on ecology which focuses on pond studies. Provides specific examples of the activities and involvements of the students. (ML)

Cognitive learning related to the environment has typically been subsumed as a part of instruction in the more traditional areas of the secondary school curriculum, in particular in science and/or social studies classes. This digest contains a review of a number of studies dealing with cognitive learning in the environment, investigating the…

Describes a method of integrating a course syllabus with a field geological inventory of the surrounding area. Consists of three modules, each with a preparatory unit, field trip, and summary unit. Discusses first hand experiences, learning cycles, novelty factors, and moving from the concrete to abstract. (MVL)

This study addressed whether the educational impact of a zoo visit can be enhanced through the provision of appropriate instructional supports such as preparatory trainings or orientations. One important function of the educational process, in contrast to providing direct information or skill development, is to make the learner more sensitive to…