We designed and implemented two instructional approaches to plant education, with the intention of supporting positive attitudes toward plants among sixth-grade students (11-13 years old). In one instructional approach, students prepared a book about plants that have interesting characteristics. In the other approach, students visited a botanical…

On Earth there is a huge diversity of arthropods, many of which are highly adaptive and able to exploit virtually every terrestrial habitat. Because of their prevalence even in urban environments, they make an excellent model system for any life science class. Since plants also exploit virtually every terrestrial habitat, studying the relationship…

Described is a course offered at Wilbur Wright College, on Chicago's Northwest Side, in which students investigate the Des Plaines River and its drainage system and relate ecological information to their lives. (PEB)

The theory of ecological competition, as used to explain community structure and specialization within species, also applies to the problem of coexistence among fast-food restaurants. This analogy is used in a simple laboratory exercise designed to teach competition theory and start students thinking about the urban environment from an ecological…

Gives agruments and support for the development of decentralized short-loop systems to take the place of an overconnected cobweb economy which increases problems for society. (BR)

Urban school districts are discovering city parks as a place for students to learn about their environment through biological investigation. Outlined are some of the activities that are appropriate for students of various grade levels working in a park setting. (MA)

Presents results of a science clubs' investigation of the micro-meteorology of a shopping center, particularly temperature and precipitation effects related to automobile air pollution. (AL)

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)