· After reading several articles describing human courtship, students are asked to describe this aspect of human behavior and how the need for two parents for increasing survival of offspring affects this courtship.

· Students select another animal, research its courtship rituals and compare them to human behaviors.

· Many sexually reproducing animals exhibit courtship behavior even though they achieve fertilization externally. Because "timing is everything," students research an organism in this category and describe how it ensures successful fertilization.

· Organisms with internal fertilization usually require an act of copulation for reproduction. Students investigate one such animal and describe how its means of intercourse maximizes the likelihood of internal fertilization.

· After reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, students write an essay revealing Shakespeare's knowledge of courtship and the role of the senses in the brief courtship of Romeo and Juliet

· Based on one of the animals selected in their research, students write a "Want Ad" that could have been written by one of the sexes pursuing a mate. They are given "Want Ads" that have ap peared in magazines and newspapers as models.

· A cartoon, short story, or play is created about the courtship of one of the organisms researched.

A magazine is produced by the students using the computer to display the best of their work.

THE STUDENTS: Approximately 60 ninth grade biology students participated in this program. Although the biology curriculum is adapted for regents level, it can be modified for any level. Elementary school students can research many of the components.

THE STAFF: Joyce Kent has been a teacher of biology for 20 years and developed this unit

MATERIALS AND FACILITIES: A library with collections of Natural History, National Geographic, Nature Conservancy magazines is an asset. If on-line computer services are available, research can be done with modern technology. A VCR is needed to show the videotapes Courtship and The Nature of Sex (available through NOVA videos).

OUTSIDE RESOURCES: A trip to the zoo to observe animals behavior is appropriate. Guest speakers from environmental organizations with knowledge of animal conservation and reproduc tive strategies.

OVERALL VALUE: The program is effective because it examines a topic that students are naturally interested in and develops it in an inter disciplinary manner.

RECOMMENDED FUNDING: $225.00

For more information:

DEVELOPER: Joyce Septimus Kent

SCHOOL: New Rochelle High School
265 Clove Road
New Rochelle, NY 10801

(914) 576-3939

PRINCIPAL: Donald Baughman

DISTRICT: New Rochelle City School District