In this series of outdoor, life-science investigations for grades 3-6, the schoolyard, is the environment to be investigated. Many ecological, environmental, and life science concepts are explored. Students learn biological sampling techniques; mapping and related mathematical skills are developed. In addition to temporarily collecting samples in "shake boxes," investigations focus on ants and spiders, and can be extended in many directions. Students learn that a bush may be home to a "community" of interacting plants and animals. Based on their observations and findings, students select a small area as their favorite location. Environmental writing about their favorite locations crowns the closing activity. This guide is designed to spark student curiosity about the patterns and interactions in nature, beginning with their immediate environment-the schoolyard.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction Time Frame Activity 1 Exploring the Schoolyard Study Area Activity 2 Finding and Observing Spiders Tales from the Web Activity 3 Discovering Animal Communities Activity 4 Tracking Ants Activity 5 Special Study Sites Behind the Scenes Guide to small Common Schoolyard Animals Spider Web Identification key Resources Assessment Suggestions Literature Connections Summary Outlines
"In this era of hype about hands-on activities, the school yard is too often given short shrift, except for occasional nature walks. . . . The book, a product of a team effort, underwent extensive tryout and review by teachers and specialists, and it shows."-Science Books &amp; Films, August/September 1998
"Overall this is a very thorough presentation of five excellent ecological activities for children. This is the way science should be taught. The investigations encourage children to learn by "doing" and to discover for themselves how organisms interact with each other and their environment. The activities are also invaluable because they foster in children an appreciation and stewardship for other living things. If they can be taught to value spiders and ants, the rest will be easy."-The American Biology Teacher, May 1999

Schoolyard Ecology

Parenting & Relationships

Barrett, Katharine

Willard, Carolyn

Parenting

GEMS-Regents of the Univ of CA

This unit introduces students to field biology techniques by using a sampling and mapping system to quantify and compare the movements of hamsters and crickets in the classroom. Students observe and record the animals movements. They learn how animals react to stimuli. They graph the results of their experiments, draw conclusions, and compare their findings.

Mapping Animal Movements (Old Edition)

Science & Math

Biological Sciences

Book by Barrett, Katharine, Bergman, Lincoln, Dornfest, Gigi, Lipner, Linda, Willard, Carolyn

Investigating Artifacts (Old Edition)

Bergman, Lincoln

Lipner, Linda

Dornfest, Gigi

Children's Books

Book by Barber, Jacqueline, Barrett, Katharine, Beals, Kevin, Bergman, Lincoln, Diamond, Marian C.

Learning About Learning (Old Edition)

Barber, Jacqueline

Beals, Kevin

Diamond, Marian C.

In this compelling and unique series of life-science activities for grades two through six, student groups set up and observe living, desktop models of a pond. Over a period of weeks, each group studies and adds one type of organism at a time to a small tank, transforming the containers into aquatic habitats. As the model ponds develop and change over time, students discover firsthand some of the complex interactions within a typical pond ecosystem. 
Unlike clean, filtered aquariums, these aquatic habitats more closely model what happens in the natural world. Plants, worms, snails, fish, and other organisms compete for limited space, food, and resources. Concepts such as life cycles and food webs take on real and memorable meaning as students become increasingly drawn into the drama of life itself.

Aquatic Habitats: Exploring Desktop Ponds, Grades 2-6

Gems

Mapping Animal Movements

This book is a synthesis of current ideas in early childhood education- intended to help spark ideas about new directions in science and math learning for children, parents, families, and teachers. Successful techniques and strategies for incorporating developmentally appropriate practice, using questions effectively, constructing curriculum, and reaching all students are outlined using examples of lessons and activities developed by the PEACHES and GEMS programs. Chapters include, "The Role of Teachers and Parents," "Children's Play and Creativity," "Language Development," "Mathematics in Early Childhood," and "Active Assessment." This handbook offers valuable support tot he early childhood educator and new perspectives on the crucial importance of math and science education for young children.

Science and Math Explorations for Young Children

Hosoume, Kimi

Blinderman, Ellen

Students observe the passage of hundreds of thousands of years without leaving their desks! By creating desktop river models, students observe how rivers, canyons, deltas, and other geological formations change over time. The river models enable students to gain experience with concepts such as geological time, erosion, and pollution.

River Cutters: Teacher's Guide

Sneider, Cary

Nature & Ecology

Be it rural green or urban asphalt, the schoolyard is a host to a multiplicity of life. Students, grades 3-6, become schoolyard ecologists, learning key ecological and biological concepts as they investigate their most immediate environment. Multifaceted patterns of life emerge-a bush becomes a "community" of interacting plants and animals. Special investigations focus on ants and spiders. Biological sampling and mapping techniques develop mathematical capabilities. Student journals and an introduction to environmental writing provide strong language arts connections.

Learning about Learning

Education & Teaching

Diamond, Dr. Marian

Schools & Teaching

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Books by Barrett, Katharine