Abstract
The ecology curriculum is part of the California content standards for the ninth grade Integrated Science 1 course. Current textbooks used in this course have detailed descriptions of ecology concepts, but are deficient in hands-on activities. The literature has been reviewed in the following areas: climate change as a big issue in science, science, standards and accountability, educational philosophy, motivation, hands-on and inquiry-based activities, teaching strategies, graphic organizers and technology. Sources of data used were professional journals, books and websites. The lessons found in the Appendix are textbook independent are intended to provide students with inquiry-based, hands-on opportunities to learn the science content of the Integrated Science 1 course.