In this evolution lesson, two sets of simulated fossils (caminalcules) are provided as cutouts. Students arrange them on two time scales. One set produces a visual example of gradualism; the other shows punctuated equilibria. Students will learn the following concepts: some evolutionary change is rapid and discontinuous, and some change is gradual; fossil patterns can provide clues to the past; and ... Full description.

In this lab activity using M&M candy, students will explore the concepts of radioactive decay and dating. Students generate a radioactive decay table to simplify the math, use their data to plot a decay graph, develop the concept of half-life, and then use the graph to find the age of a mummified seal in Wright Valley, Antarctica. In a follow-up exercise, students will solve a mysterious Arctic ... Full description.

In this activity, students will design experiments to gain some understanding of the feeding rates of Rotifers and/or Tardigrades (charismatic microfauna). These organisms are the largest found in Lake Hoare in the Taylor Valley, making them the top predator in the food chain of this lake ecosystem. The rate of feeding and the amount of food available may determine population size. Students will use ... Full description.

The Ramsar Wetlands Data Gateway is a database containing information on protected international wetlands. In this activity, users search the database to find a wetland that they are interested in helping to protect. Using the database search capabilities, users select various wetland characteristics and generate a report on the sites that meet their search criteria. Then, they access an interactive ... Full description.

This site contains slide shows and virtual field trips of Yellowstone National Park. There are several slide shows to chose from, including wolves of Yellowstone, bear research, fire ecology, the history of Yellowstone and the influence of art on Yellowstone Park. Each program features slides containing text and photographs. There is also an orientation slide show about the National Park system. More ... Full description.

This investigative case is part of the Starting Point module. In this exercise students role play as professional ecologists working for the fish and wildlife service. Students must develop a plan to manage a new wildlife refuge along the Rio Grande River. The fish and wildlife service plans to connect forest islands along the river, which will become not only a new refuge but also a "wildlife corridor." ... Full description.

The Nancy Creek Challenge is part of the Starting Point module. The Case study requires students to examine fish kill in Nancy Creek and identify the environmental conditions that favor life in a fresh water ecosystem. Students will work in small groups to assess the situation. The group will be allowed to gather resources from various places in an effort to develop a possible solution for the situation. ... Full description.

This case study is part of the Starting Point module. The activity requires students to author a presentation to the Grounds Management Committee of their school. Students must give their recommendation for the control of the invasive species purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) on the Edgewood College campus. Users can find a variety of information related to this case study including learning ... Full description.

In this Starting Point case study, students will explore wetland hydrology and biology. They will decide whether or not to restore a wetland or retain dams and drainage systems. Students will also examine the complexity of decisions regarding wetland restoration as well as investigate viewpoints of various stakeholders in the draining of wetlands. While the activity is set in Missouri, the case can ... Full description.

This game is actually an on-campus field lab that has students using directions and a GPS receiver to make their way from one stop to the next. At each stop, they identify a building stone (or tree for an environmental studies or plant biology class). If possible, have the students work in small groups, taking turns using the GPS receiver and with each group having its own direction sheet. At the ... Full description.