A description of four rapid tests to determine the viability of stored seeds are given. Typical results are reported and some possible applications of the tests are discussed. (Author/EB)

This environmental education teaching guide for middle school teachers features information on the National Estuarine Reserve System in Maryland. Pre-trip field activities, field trip activities, and post-trip activities are discussed, and a list of useful resources and organizations is provided. Reproducible handouts are included throughout the…

This book is designed to educate students in grades 4-8 about eight specific aspects of the environment. Activity-oriented experiences for both urban and rural children to gain certain understandings are provided. Concepts addressed include the fact that humans are animals and are living organisms, animals differ from plants in their ability to…

This curriculum kit provides students with accurate and up-to-date information on California's forests, forest issues, and forest products in an entertaining and easy to comprehend format. The material in this unit is organized around six lessons, each addressing a different aspect of forest education. Lessons include: (1) "The Web of…

Plants play an important role in the survival of every living thing; in fact, they are responsible for our very existence! In Photosynthesis, find out what makes plants so unique by studying the chemical process of photosynthesis - the amazing method of making food and oxygen from sunlight. Diagrams & microscopic photography illustrate the…

This document is a guide for older persons who are beginner gardeners. It provides 16 projects to choose from and explains what is needed for each before getting started. Each chapter contains projects suitable for small, medium, and large garden spaces. Contents include: (1) "Getting Started"; (2) "Beckoning Birds, Bees, and Butterflies"; (3)…

This book is an inquiry- and discovery-based teacher's guide. The interesting and fun activities in this teacher's guide meet the challenge of relating tiny, microscopic organisms to the lives of children. The inquiry-based activities range from designing and making a phytoplankter and collecting phytoplankton to designing an experiment for…

Lists the Indian uses of sixty plants found in the Pipestone National Monument Aboretum in Minnesota. Suggests that similar arboretums be planted in schools to provide students with the opportunity of becoming familiar with these native plants and how they contributed to the lives of American Indians and early settlers. (JR)

Describes techniques and results of a study on leaves of a leguminous tree. (PS)

Phenomenon of effect of magnetic field on plant growth provides wide opportunities for research in classrooms. Using moderately powerful magnets, seed growth patterns can be observed in pre-germination treatment, germination period exposure and under many other conditions. Such research may enable understanding magnetotropism more clearly. (PS)