9353044 Metts This project intends to develop, implement and disseminate interdisciplinary curricula and materials based on an Engineered Environment Laboratory. These materials would provide instruction and guidance to students for recreating a local habitat. A habitat is to be developed in Delaware which would interface a temperate hardwood forest to an old field agricultural system and a freshwater marsh. This habitat would serve as an experimental laboratory for the development of hands-on activities and experiences that would enable students to become aware of the role of wetlands. The proposed activities would be also provide the necessary background for them to make informed decisions regarding the future of this critical habitat. Materials produced from this project would include a generic curriculum development framework and instructions for the development of an Engineered Environment Laboratory appropriate equally to other environments such as deserts and grasslands. Materials would be designed by teachers in cooperation with the University of Delaware Instructional Technology Center and others and would be available on a variety of delivery formats. ***
