Know Your Neighbor - Taxonomically Speaking

In this article, the author makes a case for including how to identify native species of plants and animals in life science lessons. There is already a shortage of taxonomists in the world ... See More

In this article, the author makes a case for including how to identify native species of plants and animals in life science lessons. There is already a shortage of taxonomists in the world today; the author explains how important their skills and expertise are in the areas of pest control and pharmaceutical research. To spark interest in this topic, she suggests that teachers begin with having their students learn the scientific names of their state birds or insects. She also suggests students create their own field guides for use in their schoolyards. Although no detailed lesson plans are included, there are a few Internet resources listed at the end of the article. The “Field Guide Collection” was an excellent link to include.