By forcing gifted educators to teach in preparation for state testing and national assessments, the joy of discovery is becoming an endangered species, and learning is becoming a chore rather than an opportunity. Is it possible to strike a more reasonable balance? Kelly Gallagher suggests a 50/50 approach. Half of academic endeavor should be in…

This article presents an interview with Kathleen M. Reilly, author of "Planet Earth: 25 Environmental Projects You Can Build Yourself." Environmental awareness needs to begin in childhood, and, through this book, Kathleen M. Reilly encourages children to learn about ecology and ecosystems to begin conservation early in their lives. Children ages 9…

In wiping out the natural heritage over which we were given dominion and stewardship responsibilities, we are sowing the seeds of our own destruction. With the advent of the Reagan administration, the government's endangered species program has all but ceased to function. (RM)

This report is a compilation of the papers presented at a colloquium on wilderness management and a synopsis of discussions held during the conference. The conference theme was how to determine and monitor the most significant features and qualities of the wilderness resource. Generally, participants identify solitude; pollution-free air and…

Follows the evolution in the thinking of Aldo Leopold, a game manager who was initially an advocate of predator eradication but who came to see predators as playing an important role in normally functioning ecosystems. (DDR)

This strategy plan for training personnel addresses the goals, objectives, and recommended strategies for managing human resources development within the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Special Status Plants Program. It provides a justification for developing human resource programs to maintain a motivated, energetic workforce; goals and objectives of…

As communities expand into rural areas, wildlife habitats dwindle, human interactions with wildlife increase, and the need for sound urban wildlife management becomes more critical. Only through improved cooperation and coordination between urban planners and wildlife managers can successful urban wildlife management occur. (Author/MH)

"Children's Choices," a project of a joint committee supported by the International Reading Association (IRA) and the Children's Book Council, is published annually in "The Reading Teacher." Books recommended by children are grouped by levels: Beginning Reader (ages 5-7); Young Readers (ages 8-10); and Advanced Readers (ages…

If animal extinction continues to accelerate at the rate that prevailed from the beginning of the century, then virtually all wildlife will be gone within 30 years. The great crusades of the past and current campaigns to save animal lives are discussed. (RM)

Addresses irrational fears of snakes and how an understanding of snakes can alleviate this fear. For example, the survival methods of the Eastern Hognose snake, which inhabits upland hillsides and woodland meadows, include impersonating a cobra and playing dead. Although this snake looks and acts dangerous, it is quite harmless to humans. (LP)

The author recounts childhood interactions with animals in the "wild" and how these experiences can enrich the lives of both children and adults. (LZ)

Reviews research and other literature on hunters' values, ethics, motivations, connection to the land, environmental attitudes, and wildlife knowledge and attitudes. Suggests that hunting in its best and most ethical sense shares and supports the goals of outdoor education. Contains 32 references. (SV)

Examines the limitations associated with the language of sustainability and their implications for environmental thinking. Explores what sustainability is not by using the idea of digital watches as a metaphor. Uses contemporary examples from advertising, curriculum development, and wildlife management to illustrate the central theme. (Author/SAH)

Schoolyard wildlife habitats aren't just for beauty and fun--they are outdoor classrooms where real science learning takes place. Schoolyard habitat projects involve conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat; however, the learning doesn't have to stop there--outdoor classrooms can foster many kinds of active learning across the curriculum…

Project WILD, a Canadian elementary school curriculum supplement about wildlife and the environment, is seriously flawed in that it presents a human-centered view of the world while purporting to be unbiased. This anthropocentric perspective, in which humans are alienated from the environment and in control of nature by technological means, is in…