The following resources, compiled by Constance Carter of the Library of Congress, will assist middle, junior, and senior high school students and teachers in planning, preparing, and executing science fair projects in the environmental sciences. Also cited here are a few books with experiments suitable for elementary grade students. Sources in other areas of science are listed in Science Fair Projects (LC Science Tracer Bullet 97-4), Space Science Projects (LC Science Tracer Bullet 92-7), and Science Projects in Biology (LC Science Tracer Bullet 93-6). Not intended to be a comprehensive bibliography, this literature guide is designed—as the name of the series implies—to put the reader "on target." The full text of the tracer bullets can be obtained from the Science and Technology Division of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.To see a list of subject headings that can help you find more resources, click here.

Introductions

Bicak, Charles J. The application of ecological principles in establishing an environmental ethic. American biology teacher, v. 59, Apr. 1997: 200–206. QH1.A275

Estes, Yvonne B. Environmental education: bringing children and nature together. Phi delta kappan, v. 74, May 1993: K1–K12. LJ121.P4. "Kappan special report."

Figueroa, Edna. Ecoprojects. Science teacher, v. 57, Feb. 1990: 36–38. Q181.S38 and Pamphlet box.

Basic Texts

Bonnet, Robert L., and Dan Keen. Science fair projects: The Environment. New York, Sterling Pub. Co., c1995. 95 p. Q182.3.B674 1995

Brown, Vinson. Investigating Nature Through Outdoor Projects: 36 Strategies for Turning the Natural Environment into Your Own Laboratory. Harrisburg, Pa., Stackpole Books, c1983. 254 p. Bibliography: p. 243–248. QH318.5.B7 1983.

Gay, Kathlyn. Saving the Environment: Debating the Costs. New York, Franklin Watts, c1996. 128 p. Bibliography: p. 118–125. GE195.5.G39 1996.
Explores both sides of the issue in the conflict between environmentalists and property rights activists regarding the role of government.

Gutnik, Martin J. Ecology. New York, F. Watts, 1984. 122 p. QH541.24.G87 1984.
A collection of environmental science projects that demonstrate the delicate balance of ecological systems and how both people and nature can destroy this balance.

Hairston, Nelson G. Ecological Experiments: Purpose, Design, and Execution. Cambridge, Eng., New York, Cambridge University Press, 1989. 370 p. Bibliography: p. 329–351. QH541.24.H35 1989.

Levine, Shar, and Allison Grafton. Projects for a healthy planet: simple environmental experiments for kids. New York, Wiley, c1992. 95 p. TD171.7.L48 1992.
Projects designed to help students understand causes of pollution and to show them how to protect natural resources, and to create environmentally friendly products.

Rybolt, Thomas R., and Robert C. Mebane. Environmental experiments about life. Hillside, N.J., Enslow Publishers, c1993. 96 p. QH541.24.R93 1993.
Uses experiments to explain ecosystems, life cycles, and interactions of life and environment including pollution and conservation.

Simon, Seymour. Science projects in pollution. New York, Holiday House, 1972. 118 p. . Bibliography: p. 115. TD176.S55.
Instructions for experiments that demonstrate the causes and effects of various types of pollution.

VanCleave, Janice Pratt. Janice VanCleave's ecology for every kid: easy activities that make learning science fun. New York, Wiley, c1996. 219 p. QH541.24.V36 1996.

Wald, Mike. What you can do for the environment. New York, Chelsea House, c1993. 109 p. TD171.7.W347 1993.
Examines current environmental problems, explores possible solutions, and reviews environmental action and its effects.

Wong, Ovid K. Hands-on ecology. Chicago, Children's Press, 1991. 126 p. QH541.24.W66 1991.
Activities to explore and emphasize ecology and to demonstrate practical ways of conserving the environment.

Specialized Titles

Bilger, Burkhard. Global warming. New York, Chelsea House Publishers, c1992. 119 p. Bibliography: p. 110–112. QC981.8.G56B46 1992.
Examines the phenomenon of global warming, discussing the greenhouse effect in its positive, life-giving configuration, and again as this mechanism is knocked out of balance by increased levels of carbon gases.

Challand, Helen J. Disappearing wetlands. Chicago, Children's Press, c1992. 127 p. QH87.3.C43 1992.
Examines the ecological role of wetlands and discusses how they are formed, what life they support, and how people modify or destroy them.

Cochrane, Jennifer. Urban ecology. New York, Bookwright Press, 1988, c1987. 47 p. "Organizations to contact": p. 44–45. QH541.5.C6C63 1987.
Alternates factual information on the ecological aspects of an urban environment with activities and experiments, covering such areas as city water, parks and ponds, wild mammals in town, and trash.

Facklam, Howard, and Margery Facklam. Plants: extinction or survival? Hillside, N.J., Enslow, c1990. 96 p. SB123.3.F33 1990.
Describes the importance of germplasm and how storage banks around the world are preserving plant seeds so that plant species will not be lost through disease and environmental conditions.

Gutnik, Martin J. Experiments that explore oil spills. Brookfield, Conn., Millbrook Press, c1991. 72 p. Bibliography: p. 69. TD427.P4G84 1991.

Gutnik, Martin J. Experiments that explore recycling. Brookfield, Conn., Millbrook Press, c1992. 72 p. TD792.G87 1992.
Uses experiments to demonstrate the effects of dumping solid waste into the environment and explores what can be done about it.

Johnson, Rebecca L. The greenhouse effect: life on a warmer planet. Rev. ed. Minneapolis, Minn., Lerner Publications, 1993. 112 p. QC912.3.J64 1993.
Discusses the greenhouse effect, research into its causes, and possible impact on our planet.

Lisowski, Marylin, and Robert A. Williams. Wetlands. New York, F. Watts, c1997. 128 p. Bibliography: p. 121–122 QH541.5.M3L48 1997.
Provides instructions for projects and activities that explore the five major types of wetlands and demonstrate why they are valuable.

Middleton, Nick. Atlas of environmental issues. New York, Facts on File, c1989. 63 p.QH75.M486 1989.
Describes and explains major environmental issues of the world today including soil erosion, deforestation, mecha-nized agriculture, oil pollution of the oceans, acid rain, overfishing, and nuclear power.

Milne, Lorus Johnson, and Margery J. G. Milne. The mystery of the bog forest. New York, Dodd, Mead, c1984. 127 p. QH541.5.B63M55 1984.
Explains the origin of bogs, their special attractions, and the unique plant life to be found in them.

O'Connor, Karen. Garbage. San Diego, Calif., Lucent Books, c1989. 80 p. TD792.O26 1989
Examines the dumping of garbage in oceans, on land, in the air, and in space and suggests possible solutions to this problem of waste pollution.

Rybolt, Thomas R., and Robert C. Mebane. Environmental experiments about renewable energy. Hillside, N.J., Enslow Publishers, c1994. 96 p. TJ808.2.R93 1994

Siy, Alexandra. The Brazilian rain forest. New York, Dillon Press, Toronto, Maxwell Macmillan Canada; New York, Maxwell Macmillan International, c1992. 80 p.. QH112.S58 1992.
Describes the numerous plants and animals that live in the Brazilian rain forest and their ecological and economic importance.

Tesar, Jenny E. Endangered habitats. New York, Facts on File, c1992. 112 p. QH541.14.T47 1991.
Examines the various types of the Earth's habitats, the complex relationships of plants and animals found in them, and how man's activities can upset or destroy fragile ecological balances.

Willis, Terri, and Wallace B. Black. Cars—an environmental challenge. Chicago, Children's Press, c1992. 127 p. TD886.5.B57 1992.
Discusses the environmental damage and safety problems associated with the internal combustion engine, with an emphasis on emissions and air pollution.

Classroom Experiments and Activities

Books and Pamphlets

Basile, Carole G., Jennifer Gillespie-Malone, and Fred Collins. Nature at your doorstep: real world investigations for primary students. In conjunction with the Hana and Arthur Ginsbarg Nature Discovery Center. Englewood, Colo., Teacher Ideas Press/Libraries Unlimited, 1997. 161 p. Bibliography: p. 157–158. QH541.2.B38 1997.

Burnett, Robin. The pillbug project: a guide to investigation. Washington, National Science Teachers Association, c1992. 99 p.. QL444.M34B87 1992

Camp, William G., Thomas B. Daugherty, and Carla Kirts. Managing our natural resources. 3rd ed. Albany, N.Y., Delmar Publishers, c1997. 354 p. HC103.7.C33 1997. 
Examines the nature, history, and management of natural resources ranging from soil and water to forests, wildlife, and marine resources. Includes suggested activities and discussion of careers in the field.

Child, Elizabeth. Eco-educator's guide. Edited by Julie Berg. Edina, Minn., Abdo, c1993. 110 p. (loose-leaf) Pamphlet box.
Experiments to teach ecology. A project of the Education Committee of the Ecological Society of America. J. M. Beoswemger, editor. Tempe, Ariz., The Society, c1993. 170 p. Bibliography: p. 65. QH541.24.E97 1993

Fredericks, Anthony D. Exploring the rainforest: science activities for kids. Golden, Colo., Fulcrum Pub., c1996. 116 p. Bibliography: p. 98–99. QH541.5.R27F74 1996

Gutnik, Martin J. Experiments that explore the greenhouse effect. Brookfield, Conn., Millbrook Press, c1991. 72 p. QC912.3.G88 1991

Hickman, Pamela M. Habitats: making homes for animals and plants. Reading, Mass., Addison-Wesley Pub. Co., c1993. 64 p. QH541.24.H53 1993.
Includes directions for creating temporary habitats indoors that allow for the study of various animals and plants in natural settings.

Hunken, Jorie. Ecology for all ages: discovering nature through activities for children and adults. Old Saybrook, Conn., Globe Pequot Press, c1994. 194 p. Bibliography: p. 187-190. QH541.2.H86 1994

McVey, Eileen. Aqua-topics: aquaculture for youth and youth educators. Beltsville, Md., Aquaculture Information Center, Public Services Division, National Agricultural Library, 1990. 16 p.. Pamphlet box.

Schwartz, Linda. Earth book for kids: activities to help heal the environment. Santa Barbara, Calif., Learning Works, c1990. 184 p. TD170.15.S39 1990.
Creative ideas to show kids how to make their own paper, compare phosphate levels in detergents, test the effects of oil pollution, conduct a recycling survey, redesign a package, measure acidity, and make a difference in many other ways.

Sea sampler: aquatic activities for the field and classroom. Elementary, grades K–6. Compiled and edited by Wendy Beard Allen, Patty Owens McLaughlin. Charleston, S.C., South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, 1985. 118 p. (Sea Grant publication SC-SG-TR85-1). Pamphlet box.

Sea sampler: aquatic activities for the field and classroom. Secondary, grades 7–12. Compiled and edited by Wendy Beard Allen, Patty Owens McLaughlin. Charleston, S.C., South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, 1985. 114 p. (Sea Grant publication SC-SG-TR85-2). Pamphlet box.

Tips and tricks in outdoor education: approaches to providing children with educational experiences in the outdoors. Prepared by members of the Faculty in Outdoor Teacher Education, the Lorado Taft Field Campus of Northern Illinois University. Edited by Malcolm D. Swan. 5th ed. Danville, Ill., Interstate Printers & Publishers, c1995. 258 p. LB1047.T57 1995.

Journal Articles

Anderson, Christopher L. Designing a zoo-based endangered species database. Science activities, v. 26, Nov./Dec. 1989: 14–18. Q181.A1S29

Domel, Rue. You can teach about acid rain: a worldwide issue becomes relevant when students investigate the pH values of common liquids. Science & children, v. 31, Oct. 1993: 25–28. LB1585.S34

Feinsinger, Peter, Alejandro Grajal, and Alan R. Berkowitz. Some themes appropriate for schoolyard ecology and other hands-on ecology education. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America, v. 78, Apr. 1997: 144–146. QH540.E2799

Golden, Richard, and Cary Sneider. The greenhouse effect in a vial: an effective demonstration. Science teacher, v. 56, May 1989: 57–59. Q181.S38

Kneidl, Sally S. Pond ecology in the classroom. Science activities, v. 30, spring 1993: 19–31. Q181.A1S29

Kuserk, Frank T. Measuring discharge & materials transport in stream ecosystems. American biology teacher, v. 51, Feb. 1989: 100–102. QH1.A275

Matthews, Robert W. Teaching ecological interactions with mud dauber nests. American biology teacher, v. 59, Mar. 1997: 152–158. QH1.A275

Mayer, Victor J., and Nadine K. Hinton. Animals in the classroom: considering the options. Science teacher, v. 57, Mar. 1990: 26–30. Q181.S38

Pierson, Duane R. The use of journals in nature study and field science. Nature study, v. 43, Mar. 1990: 23–25. QH81.N33

Pryor, Stephen C., and Evan Facher. Immune response in mussels to environmental pollution. American biology teacher, v. 59, June 1997: 328–330. QH1.A275

Ramsey, John M., Harold R. Hungerford, and Trudi Volk. A technique for analyzing environmental issues. Journal of environmental education, v. 21, fall 1989: 26–30. S946.E54

Swarthout, Flora L. The compost community: a closer look. Science teacher, v. 60, Oct. 1993: 45–47. Q181.S38

Voorhis, Ken. Taking a course in nature: lead your class toward a positive environmental ethic. Science & children, v. 31, Nov./Dec. 1993: 23–26. LB1585.S34

Zedler, Joy B., and John C. Callaway. Restoration ecology; combining the teaching of ecological principles with group experiments and native plant restoration on the SDSU campus. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America, v. 78, Jan. 1997: 67–69. QH540.E27

Handbooks, Manuals, and Reference Tools

Brown, Vinson. Building your own nature museum: for study and pleasure. New York, ARCO Pub., c1984. 161 p. QH61.B88 1984, Bibliography: p. 138–152.

Conservation directory. 1st ed.; 1956– Washington, National Wildlife Federation. Annual. S920.C64

Education for the earth: a guide to top environmental studies programs. Princeton, N.J., Peterson's Guides, c1993. 175 p. Bibliography: p. 165–168. GE80.E38 1993.

Encyclopedia of environmental information sources: a subject guide to about 34,000 print and other sources of information on all aspects of the environment. Sarojini Balachandran, editor. Detroit, Gale Research, c1993. 1813 p. Z5863.P7E54 1993.

Environmental education teacher resource handbook: a practical guide for K–12 environmental education. Edited by Richard J. Wilke. Millwood, N.Y., Kraus International Publications; Arlington, Va., In cooperation with National Science Teachers Association, c1993. 448 p. GE70.E582 1993.

Environmental grantmaking foundations: a directory. 1st ed.; 1992– Rochester, N.Y., Environmental Data Research Institute, c1992– Annual. Vols. for 1992– accompanied by Supplemental index. GE80.E58.

Franck, Irene M., and David M. Brownstone. The green encyclopedia. New York, Prentice Hall General Reference, c1992. 485 p. Bibliography: p. 480–486. GE10.F73 1992 .

Gale environmental sourcebook. 1st ed.; 1992– Detroit, Gale Research Inc. Biennial. GE20.G35 1992.

Long, Kim. Encyclopedia of field trips & educational destinations. Santa Barbara, Calif., ABC-CLIO, c1991. 355 p. LB1047.L63 1991.

Macmillan encyclopedia of the environment. General editor, Stephen R. Kellert; associate editors, Matthew Black, Richard Haley. New York, Macmillan Library Reference USA; London, Simon & Schuster and Prentice Hall International, c1997. 6 v. GE10.M33 1997.

Pentz, Mike, and Milo Shott. Handling experimental data. Edited by Francis Aprahamian. Milton Keynes, Eng., Philadelphia, Open University Press, c1988. 95 p. Q182.3.P46 1988

Pringle, Laurence P. Taking care of the earth: kids in action. Honesdale, Pa., Boyds Mills Press; Distributed by St. Martin's Press, 1996. 64 p. GE195.5.P75 1996

Recycling study guide. Authors: Anne Hallowell and others. Madison, Bureau of Information and Education, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, 1989. 31 p. "PUBL-IE-020 89Rev." Pamphlet box.

Rittner, Don. EcoLinking: everyone's guide to online environmental information. Berkeley, Calif., Peachpit Press, c1992. 352 p. Bibliography: p. 341–342. GE30.R57 1992 <SciRR

World resources. A report by the World Resources Institute in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Development Programme. 1986– New York, Oxford University Press. Biennial. HC10.W827

Bibliographies and Project Indexes

Anglemyer, Mary, and Eleanor R. Seagraves. The natural environment: an annotated bibliography on attitudes and values. Sponsored by Global Tomorrow Coalition. Washington, Smithsonian Institution Press, 1984. 268 p.Z7405.N38A52 1984.

A Core bibliography on global issues related to environment, resources, opulation, and sustainable development. Washington, Global Tomorrow Coalition, 1990. 28 leaves. Pamphlet box.

Educators guide to free science materials. 1st- ed.; 1960- Compiled and edited by Mary H. Saterstrom. Randolph, Wis., Educators Progress Service. Annual. Q181.A1E3.

Johnson, Carolyn M. Discovering nature with young people: an annotated bibliography and selection guide. New York, Greenwood Press, 1987. 495 p.5818.N36J64 1987.
In addition to substantial sections listing print and audiovisual materials for young readers and items for educators and parents, includes information about sources of reviews, educational and recreational programs, organizations and clubs, contests and assorted games, kits, puzzles, posters, and other supplies.

Marine education: a bibliography of educational materials available from the nation's Sea Grant College Programs. College Station, Tex., Sea Grant College Program, Texas A&M University, 1988. 35 p. Pamphlet box.
An excellent guide to sources of free and inexpensive pamphlets and curriculum material on the marine environment. Complete instructions for ordering materials from over 30 institutions are given.

Pilger, Mary Anne. Science experiments index for young people. 2nd ed. Englewood, Colo., Libraries Unlimited, 1996. 504 p.Q182.3.P55 1996.

Resources for teaching elementary school science. National Science Resources Center, National Academy of Sciences, Smithsonian Institution. Washington, National Academy Press, 1996. 289 p. Z5818.S3R47 1996. Rev. ed. of Science for children. 1988.

Science fair project index. 1960-1972. Compiled by the staff of the Science and Technology Division of the Akron Summit County Public Library; edited by Janet Y. Stoffer. Metuchen, N.J., Scarecrow Press, 1975. 728 p.Q182.3.S34 1975 1973–1980. Edited by Science and Technology Division, Akron-Summit County Public Library. Metuchen, N.J., Scarecrow Press, 1983. 723 p. Q182.3.S34 1975 Suppl.

—— 1981–1984. Edited by Cynthia Bishop, Deborah Crowe, Science and Technology Division, Akron-Summit County Public Library. Metuchen, N.J., Scarecrow Press, 1986. 686 p. Q182.3.S34 1975 Suppl. 2 .

—— 1985–1989. Edited by Cynthia Bishop, Katherine Ertle, Karen Zeleznik. Prepared by the Science and Technology staff of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Metuchen, N.J., Scarecrow Press, 1992. 555 p. Q182.3.S34 1975 Suppl. 3.

Science experiments on file: experiments, demonstrations, and projects for school and home. New York, Facts on File, c1989. 1 v. (loose-leaf) Q182.3.S33 1989.

All of the experiments were obtained from a select group of master teachers—winners and finalists of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, named by the National Science Foundation." Intended as a resource for students, grades 6–12. See also More Science Experiments on File (New York, Facts on File, 1991. 1 v. (loose-leaf) Q182.3.M67 1990), which offers 80 new projects for grades 3–12.

Sinclair, Patti K. E for environment: an annotated bibliography of children's books with environmental themes. New Providence, N.J., Bowker, c1992. 292 p. Z1037.9.S57 1992.

Selected Materials Available in the Science Reading Room pamphlet boxes include:

Braus, Judy, and Diane O'Reilly. Celebrating life's diversity. Science scope, v. 17, Feb. 1994: 28–29.
Includes a "Windows on the Wild" foldout poster and describes a new environmental education program being developed by the World Wildlife Fund, with support from Eastman Kodak, to produce innovative materials and programs to help students better understand biodiversity.

Cothron, Julia H., Richard J. Rezba, and Ronald N. Giese. What to keep in mind during experimental design: skill-sharpening scenarios. Science teacher, v. 56, Nov. 1989: 32-36.

Environmental experiments ... from Edison. Southfield, Mich., Thomas Alva Edison Foundation, 1990, c1973. 32 p.

Fail, Joseph, Jr. Teaching ecology in urban environments. American biology teacher, v. 57, Nov./Dec. 1995: 522–525.

Gnanamalar, Esther, and Sarojini Daniel. Once upon a pond: revitalizing a miniature wetland ecosystem. Science teacher, v. 64, Apr. 1996: 20–22.

Koenig, Sharon, and Robert Koenig. Hometown ecology: a river rescue in progress. Science teacher, v. 56, Nov. 1989: 53–55.

Laycock, George. The children's crusade. Wildlife conservation, v. 93, May/June 1990: 42–49.

MacKenzie, William H. The trashy sea around us. A disgraceful plastic tide is fouling the oceans—and killing marine animals. Defenders, v. 62, May/June 1987: 30–37.

Mohlenbrock, Robert H. Why should we save our plants? Nature Conservancy magazine, v. 37, Nov./Dec. 1987: 4–9.

Nyenhuis, Michael. The living classroom idea. American forests, v. 100, Mar./Apr. 1994: 38–39, 59.

Rain forests: tropical treasures. Washington, National Wildlife Federation, c1989. 68 p. (Ranger Rick's nature-scope, v. 4, no. 4)

Ryan, John C. When nature loses its cool: species loss, already a thousand times above normal rates, promises to get far worse when the effects of global warming—rising sea levels and climate change—begin in earnest. Which species will survive? Where will they go? Can we live without them? World watch, v. 5, Sept./Oct. 1992: 10–16.

Streever, Bill. Statistics for ecology and environmental science students. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America, v. 77, Apr. 1996: 88–91.Web Sites: The Internet offers a growing number of science fair project sites.