Discusses findings of a survey of 1,021 college English students about personal habits associated with the composing process. Reports many students use or used marijuana (36 percent) and alcohol (49 percent) while composing their papers, and that similarly high numbers compose while listening to music or watching TV. Suggests students should learn…

In our human-centered ignorance and arrogance we are rapidly destroying the earth. We must start helping people understand the big picture of ecological concepts. What these concepts mean for our own lives and how we must begin to change our lifestyles in order to live more harmoniously with the earth. (JHZ)

Compares and contrasts a historical approach to woodland studies with a conventional ecological approach. Suggests potential sources of information and areas for investigation for the historical ecologist. Also reviews a case study example that employed this strategy. (ML)

Conservation's concern for utility and beauty are not readily and consistently associated with either side of the liberal/conservative dichotomy or with any specific place on the conventional political spectrum. The politics of those trying to save the forests of Central America illustrate these points. (RM)

This active, interdisciplinary place-based curriculum, which includes a teacher's guide, a student field journal, and a related photo packet introduces fourth and fifth grade students to the concept of landscape and heightens their awareness of the relationship between landscape and people. The curriculum program is designed to introduce students…

This guide seeks to sort the flood of information written about environmental issues and sustainable societies in recent years and order it in some way. A total of 450 document abstracts are presented here, most of which are on books and think tank reports. These items first appeared in "Future Survey" (journal) and were published…

This learning module has two main goals: (1) to increase students' knowledge and understanding of the often complex relationship between sustainable development and the social, economic, and environmental conditions in a country; and (2) to strengthen students' ability to perform statistical calculations, make and interpret maps, charts, and…

Seven complete secondary/college level acid rain activities are provided. Activities include overview; background information and societal implications; major concepts; student objectives; vocabulary/material lists; procedures; instructional strategies; and questions/discussion and extension suggestions. Activities consider effects of acid rain on…

A mature understanding of the natural world requires experiential learning. Significant experience provides a constant source of values and understanding. Experiential learning is a holistic process, where conceptual, linguistic and perceptual elements are blended with direct impressions of the environment. Experiential knowing is not fixed but is…

Discusses microbial production of methane from biomass. Topics include methogens (bacteria producing methane), ecology of methanogenesis, methanogenesis in ruminant/nonruminant and other environments, role of methanogenesis in nature, and methane production in sewage treatment plants. Also discusses construction of methane digesters (and related…

Reviews some of the most relevant research regarding classroom design, draws from this research a number of principles for the design and management of classroom space, and discusses issues that need to be examined with respect to the effective use of the physical environment in instruction. Forty-two references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Models the impact of three domains of environmental variables (ecological/architectural, psychosocial, and personal) on the mental health and well-being of 989 community-based rural elderly. Perceived environmental constriction, satisfaction with dwelling features, and satisfaction with community were the largest predictors of mental health.…

Examines environmental moral reasoning and values in African American children and their parents in Houston and Brazilian children in a large city and in a river village along the Amazon. Finds similarities of moral concerns and obligations to the environment in all three communities, structured by concerns for human welfare, fairness, and rights.…

Discusses widespread concern for the economic, social, aesthetic, and ecological consequences of acid rain. Eastern North America is the geographical focus of the concern. (RT)

Discusses many of the scientific questions surrounding the greenhouse effect debate and the issue of plausible responses. Discussion includes topics concerning projecting emissions and greenhouse gas concentrations, estimating global climatic response, economic, social, and political impacts, and policy responses. (RT)