This article is devoted to one of the aspects of the research focused on a general problem of interaction between a human being and the environment for person’s orientation in it. We see pedagogical orientation as a process: a) creation of conditions encouraging students to study environmental objects and understand the integrity of environment; and b) as a result – expansion of living space of students in the environment.
Method of zoology practical training in city environment aiming at study of the animal world acts as learning instrument in environmental education. It is based on scientific observation of animal life in different biotopes of the city, their conditions, behavior throughout the year that was made by students with the help of visual aids – photo camera and computer. Educational material includes pictures of animals and traces of their activity, characteristics of biotopes, description of animal species, their biology, peculiarities of behavior depending on season. Results of the natural objects’ study were presented by students in the form of report – presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint programme. Use of observation method with the help of visual aids during the practical training increased students interest to studying the natural world of the city, fostered development of their individual collection of materials devoted to animal life in the city which can be used as materials for lessons on fauna of their home region; helped them to get more experienced in using photo camera as an instrument for observation of natural objects in motion and in use of computer.