A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by PEP for all students, grades 7-10.

Description Combining classroom study with the unique scientific resources available at zoos, Wildlife Inquiry through Zoo Education (W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies) explores issues related to wildlife survival in the 21st Century. Using a nontraditional, multidisciplinary approach, the program improves understanding of concepts related to ecology, wildlife conservation, population biology, and species survival. Utilizing cooperative learning techniques and highly motivating hands-on activities that encourage decision making, the program develops an understanding that animals are members of populations that interact with one another and that ecological processes affecting animals also affect humans. Involving an average of 15 weeks of instruction, the program includes three visits to a local zoo or a suitable alternate site. Using highly motivating activities, multimedia materials, small-group discussions, zoo visits, and Posterity--a role- playing simulation, students are exposed to the scientific method and develop problem-solving skills, working towards solutions which cause the least disruption to the environment. W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies educates young people to approach difficult problems analytically and to make decisions rooted in a firm understanding of scientific concepts. W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies can serve on its own merits as an independent curriculum, or as a supplement to an existing life science or environmental education program.

W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies addresses National Goals for Education 3 and 5. The program exercises students' analytical and writing skills, preparing them to take responsible, proactive roles within their communities. W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies builds students' self-confidence and an ability to make competent decisions. They delve into environmental issues and learn how to take action to solve complex problems. Students learn to arrive at the best solutions by considering the various economic and cultural issues that affect the environment locally, nationally, and globally. Since nationwide dissemination began in 1988, W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies has demonstrated its ability to improve science competency in over 70,000 students nationwide.

Evidence of Effectiveness Grade 7-10 students participating in W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies for a period of 12-15 weeks scored significantly higher on a reliable locally-developed test of life science concepts than did a control group. This claim is based on an experimental and comparison group study of 16,000 students in 20 states. Further, students participating in W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies also scored significantly better than the control group on two scales measuring mastery of specific science skills and knowledge areas taught in the W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies curriculum.

Requirements No special facilities are required within an adopting school. Access to a zoo, natural history museum, nature center, or wildlife area is recommended by the program. Although the detailed Teacher's Manual enables instructors to conduct the program successfully, training is encouraged for optimal implementation. Curriculum/learning materials include the following:

• 34 Student Resource Books
  
• 6 sets of 24 illustrated Discovery Cards
  
• 22 Photo Cards
  
• 41 worksheet masters to accompany lessons
  
• 136-page Teacher's Manual
  
• 2 sound cassettes
  
• 96-frame filmstrip
  
• Posterity (a wildlife management game)

Costs Teachers who adopt W.I.Z.E./Survival Strategies must purchase a Survival Strategies classroom kit from Beacham Publishing at a cost of $325. Usually, one kit per school is sufficient. A kit provides all the necessary materials for a class of 34 students. Beacham Publishing does offer bulk discount rates for schools or districts that order more than three kits. Training costs include $155/day plus travel expenses plus the cost of one Survival Strategies kit to be used during the training. Two- to five-day training options are available.

Services Program staff are available to attend out-of-state awareness meetings. Two to five-day training options are available in requesting districts and states throughout the year. Follow-up assistance is also available to adopters. Participants receive ample supplemental materials on a regular basis.

Contact

Annette Berkovits, Vice President-Education and Project Director of W.I.Z.E. or Donald Lisowy, W.I.Z.E. Dissemination Coordinator, Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Park, 185th Street and Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460. (718) 220-5136 or (800) 937-5131.

Developmental Funding: National Science Foundation.
JDRP No. 86-6 (4/9/87)
Recertified (3/25/93)

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