Curricula

Urban Forests: A Supplement to Florida's Project Learning Tree

Bebette de Vera, Martha C. Monroe, and Jennifer A. Seitz

Urban Forest Educational Resources for Teaching Youth

Jennifer Seitz, Martha Monroe, and Francisco Escobedo

"FOR-172, a 5-page fact sheet by Jennifer Seitz, Martha Monroe, and Francisco Escobedo, lists and describes resources available to assist educators, extension agents, home school parents, foresters, and nature center staff as they help youth become more aware of the urban forests in their backyard. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2008.

Linking Waterbody Acidification and Aquatic Plant Metabolism: A Lesson Plan for Middle School Students

Alexandra L. Bijak, Laura K. Reynolds, and Ashley R. Smyth

Ocean acidification, the lowering of seawater pH due to increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is an emerging environmental challenge associated with climate change. This publication is intended for Florida grade eight educators and other environmental educators of middle school students. We designed a lesson plan to reinforce fundamental concepts in acid-base chemistry, including the pH scale, and to introduce students to waterbody acidification, its negative effects on shell-forming organisms, and the potential role of aquatic plant metabolism (i.e., photosynthesis and respiration) in mitigating these effects. The goal of the lesson plan is to encourage students to link water chemistry and biological processes while learning about the challenges and potential solutions to acidification within a local context. This lesson plan will contribute to state learning standards while generating appreciation for the complexity of the natural environment. 

Guide to Collecting and Maintaining Live Arthropods for Classroom Display in Florida

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

A UF/IFAS numbered publication for Academic and 4-H/Youth audience(s).

Antlions in the Classroom

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

This document is designed to be used with other entomology youth curricula and is suitable for any age group. It details the process of using antlions for live insect illustrations in the classroom. Antlions, belonging to the Order Neuroptera, create conical depressions to trap prey. The document covers finding, capturing, and keeping antlions, feeding them, and observing their life cycle. It also provides suggestions for classroom lessons and activities involving antlions, emphasizing their accessibility and educational value. First published: January 2008.

Insects, Oh Yes!: An Introduction

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.