Ecology Explorers

Eighth graders identify and name birds in their school yard by comparing and contrasting pictures of 12 common birds in the Phoenix metro area using the Ecology Explorers Protocol. They formulate questions based on observations that lead...

Students explore variety of plants & cacti in their Arizona community by collecting samples and taking photographs. Can be adapted to other areas.

Students explore, experience and experiment identifying the human impact on the environment of vegetative differences within the same biome. They assess what causes deserts, rain forests, savannahs, tundras and saguaros and how these...

Students trap, collect and identify arthropods in a newly created desert tortoise preserve area over a period of one school year. They determine the rate at which various arthropods take up residence in the newly landscaped area. Data is...

This unit is so cool, you won't be able to "kelp" yourself! Intended for all grades, this science and activity guide for teachers offers a unique opportunity to understand kelp's role as a valuable ecological resource. Teachers and...

Here is a worksheet on Urban Ecology in the state of Arizona. In it, learners answer nine short-answer questions on this topic. The last two questions have them use the reverse side of the paper to create tables and graphs which deal...

The first examples of mimicry we have found date back to before flowering plants. The video goes in depth on predators at the community ecology level. It includes discussions of herbivores, parasitism, adaptations, cryptic coloration,...

Students are introduced to Ecology Explorers and identify common birds at their location. They start with an anticipation guide and continue with Bird identification cards.

Students become "Everyday Explorers" as they dig in, get dirty and comprehend more about the physical and biological world around them. They become hands-on scientists on a local level as they explore their schoolyard.

Students examine and categorize plants in their own schoolyard desert garden and then observe other plant areas of their schoolyard.