Describes an interesting field experiment examining the distribution and diversity of a single community using lichens and the animals living in them. Combining field experience and laboratory work reveals not only the biology of some unusual organisms, but also community ecology and diversity. (PR)

Argues that student field trips should provide students with learning experiences rather than entertainment. Gives examples of science demonstrations that engage the student in the scientific process using hands-on experiences. (MDH)

Reports on a field trip by secondary school history students to Fort Malden National Historic Site in Canada. Describes the use of primary sources and battlefield sites to help students understand historical perspective and interpretation. Includes discussion questions for students and recommendations for implementation. (CFR)

Proposes that students learn about their environment by taking field trips into their own schoolyard. Students observe, classify, hypothesize, infer, predict, and measure aspects of the schoolyard. Engages the students in discussion to process their experiences. (MDH)

Notes that while parental involvement in the classroom is beneficial, it can be difficult for teachers to maintain a balance between classroom needs and parent preferences. Briefly describes six successful activities for parental involvement and what is expected of parent volunteers for each activity. Outlines five other considerations for…

Students from an Albany (New York) free school spent a week repairing storm damage in a Puerto Rican village with a rich history of community solidarity. The students learned how good it feels to help others and the power of cooperation. They also encountered another culture, discovered they could cope with challenge, and experienced appreciation…

Explains embodied fieldwork as learning to act and think like a geographer. Examines how students are assumed to be able-bodied (ability to walk/climb) and what occurs when they are not. Demonstrates how the selection of rugged outdoor environments for fieldwork reinforces assumptions about students and staff as able-bodied. (CMK)

Explains that there are four levels of involvement for introducing students to the skills of docents. Describes a docent program, an extracurricular activity provided at Montgomery High School in Skillman, New Jersey, in which students are docents at the Rockingham Historic Site. Discusses the benefits of such a program. (CMK)

A teacher of a special education class of 7- to 10-year-olds took her students outdoors to stimulate their interest in learning. Schoolyard nature study and environmental field trips led to schoolwide presentations and television performances about recycling and conservation. Peer teaching was an important learning strategy. These students…

Fifteen high school students and adults from Idaho traveled to Mexico to assist the One World Workforce with monitoring the nests of olive ridley sea turtles. Only 1 percent of these endangered turtles mature to adulthood. The volunteers protected the eggs from poachers and helped the hatchlings get safely to the water. (TD)

Describes two exercises that utilize computers and the Internet in the social studies classroom: (1) virtual field trips; and (2) the virtual newsroom. Offers an example virtual field trip focusing on Mount Vernon (Virginia) and includes a virtual field trip guide. Presents an example of the virtual newsroom exercise on the Civil Rights movement.…

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC)'s Bushfire Program is unique amongst conservation organisations. The Program has been running for over ten years, focusing its campaign work mainly on government policy, legislation and commissions of inquiry. However, the Program was originally initiated to provide support to over 70 conservation…

These six theme-oriented newsletter issues present specific curriculum planning ideas and activities for teachers of young children. The theme of the January/February 1995 issue is "Circle Time." This issue offers many activities for circle time in the areas of math, science, language development, music, movement, and social studies. The…

This collection of 10 "Write Partner" newsletters presents articles and other materials that help seniors ("Senior Partners") to use their experience and good will to write to children ("Junior Partners") and to assure the children of their intrinsic value and encourage them to learn and succeed. Each issue in the…

This handbook provides eight detailed interdisciplinary lesson plans, with art, archaeological, and architectural heritage of historical British sites as the introductory focus. Historical background is combined with a variety of possible content area approaches, documentary sources, and photocopiable activity sheets for classroom and on-site…