Schoolyard Ecology - Softcover

Barrett, Katharine; Willard, Carolyn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0924886358 ISBN 13: 9780924886355

Publisher: Gems, 2001

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.

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Review:

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 & 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 3doing 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

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