Reviews a study's findings on children's (N=267) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward animals and natural habitats. Research results indicate that existence of three stages in the development of children's perceptions of animals. Major differences in age, sex, ethnicity and urban/rural residence were also noted. (ML)

Contains two lessons designed to increase student precision thinking skills through a process of questioning, challenging, and revising given statements. Students formulate rules for classifying animals as either domestic or wild and then establish criteria for what is or is not an appropriate pet. (ML)

This review (extracted from a report of the same title published by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1983, 0-405-522/1101) identifies some of the social, behavioral, and demographic affects on young people's perceptions of the natural world in general and animals in particular. (JN)

Suggests using ring doves in the classroom for observing behavior patterns and the entire reproductive cycle. Requirements for space, food, and care are minimal and easily obtained. Students can observe: male participation in nest-building; care of young; and (using candlelight) embryos and heartbeats because of the thin egg shells these birds…

A pilot program providing a comprehensive humane education curriculum is described. Packets containing instructional material on animal classification, pet care, wildlife, animal communication, and human activism are provided to teachers. In addition, school visits make it possible to demonstrate the activities, and motivate teachers to make…

Recommends that an ethical approach to animal research must start early, pointing out that teachers have the opportunity and responsibility to represent the research community and to communicate the benefits of animal research to students. A list of alternatives to using animals for medical research/experiments is included. (JN)

Description of a special library housed in world's largest indoor aquarium highlights history of aquarium and library; the collection supporting animal care-taking, reference, and research activities; archives; computer capabilities; users (primarily staff) and services; and networking and cooperation. Date founded, director, collection and staff…

Explains how Venn diagrams can be used to teach children about animals. Provides examples of four types of diagrams and suggests how activities can be designed to address topics as endangered, domestic, and wild animals. (ML)

Stresses the importance of teaching children respect for and interest in spiders and insects. Recommends activities to study arthropods in their natural environment that will be exciting to students, sharpen observation skills, and promote respect and understanding. Lists potential excursion sites and preparatory procedures. (BC)

Traces the history of using mice for medical research and discusses the benefits of using these animals for studies in bacteriology, virology, genetics (considering X-linked genetic homologies between mice and humans), molecular biology, immunology, hematology, immune response disorders, oncology, radiobiology, pharmacology, behavior genetics,…

Discusses structural and chemical features of muscle tissue. Emphasizes chemical and physical changes which occur during processing and storage and how these changes affect the eating quality of meat and fish. (JN)

Discusses current learning theories, indicating that though many psychologists and ethologists now agree on using a mechanistic approach, some linguists doubt its adequacy. Implications of research on the mollusk "Aplasia" to understand the learning process are included. (JN)

Investigated whether "Ranger Rick" magazine influenced children's attitudes toward and knowledge of natural resources, behavior in wildlife and conservation-related activities, and anthropomorphization of animals. Data, obtained from a national survey and from questionnaires administered to 491 grade 5 students, indicate the…

An internal scale of 17 behavior categories was constructed from data on 120 pairs of rhesus monkeys while they were establishing a social relationship. Data were obtained by a procedure analogous to that used in human psychophysical scaling. (Editor)