NSTA's Animal Coloration: Activities on the Evolution of Concealment Increases Students' Comprehension of Evolution

ARLINGTON, Va., April 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A classic science education resource for elementary and middle school teachers is back in an updated edition. Animal Coloration: Activities on the Evolution of Concealment was created by scientists at University of California, Berkeley, to increase students' understanding of evolution through activities that explore the way color aids an animal's defense.

Each activity provides students with the opportunity to make and test hypotheses through investigation, thus expanding their scientific knowledge and comprehension. The hands-on technique allows children to construct a mental framework for deeper understanding of biological processes.

This revised edition incorporates an active and inquiry-based approach to science education. Originally published in 1966, this approach to teaching biology is widely accepted as the foundation for effective learning as advocated by the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards. Animal Coloration was difficult to find for far too long (worn copies are a cherished part of many teachers' libraries), so NSTA Press is especially proud to update the book for its long-time admirers and to introduce it to a new generation of teachers.

About the Authors

Robert Stebbins is an internationally acclaimed scientist and the author of A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. David Ipsen is a research engineer and teacher at the General Electric Company and the Engineering Department of UC Berkeley and was deeply involved in the university's Elementary School Science Project. Gretchen L. Gillfillan spent 31 years as a 4th-5th grade school teacher and was a California Teacher of the Year nominee. Judy Diamond is professor and curator of informal science education at the University of Nebraska State Museum. Judy Scotchmoor is assistant director of the UC Museum of Paleontology, in charge of education and public outreach.

You can browse sample pages of this new book free at the NSTA Science Store website at http://nsta.org/store.

For additional information or to purchase Animal Coloration: Activities on the Evolution of Concealment, and other books from NSTA Press, visit the NSTA Science Store at www.nsta.org/store. To order by phone, call 800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET weekdays. Outside the United States and Canada, call 301-638-0200. The 174-page book is priced at $19.96 and discount-priced for NSTA members at $15.96. Take advantage of a 10% discount on both prices through April 30 (Stock # PB224X, ISBN # 978-1-93353-129-8).

The Arlington, Va.-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

NSTA Press produces 15-20 new books each year. Focused on the PreK-college market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies.