content was structured around an endangered species case study. The class was divided into groups, with each group representing researchers from a different continent. The groups were told that the endangerment of species was a worldwide problem and that each group was to do the following: 1! identify some important species that were becoming endangered on their continent, 2! explain why they were becom- ing endangered, 3! explain what could be done about it, and 4! present their findings to the rest of the class. Groups were given materials and class time to conduct their research. After the groups presented their findings, the class engaged in a general discussion of what t ypes of animals were becoming endangered and why. This discussion led to a discussion of the relationship between animals and their environment—which is essentially the concept of adaptation. This inquiry was completed over three class periods. Subsequent instruction involved a more formal discussion of how to recognize various adaptations and completion of an animal artifact lab
~see later discussion!. The concept of evolution was taught in a similar way
through an extension of the endangered species case study.