What is Environmental Education?
Environmental education includes teaching about how natural environments function and how humans can impact the ecosystems in order to live in a more sustainable manner.
Environmental education has been considered optional or elective subject in K-12 curriculum but is growing in importance and is often included as part of Social Responsibility Units.
Environmental Education in the Schools
Primary/Elementary
Enriched science curriculum, field trips, guest speakers, Earth Day activities, nature walks, community service projects, outdoor science classes, math activities, reading materials, school recycling programs.
Middle and Secondary
Part of science, clubs, activities, projects with younger students, school recycling programs.
Post-Secondary
Field of education, environmental studies, environmental science and policy, ecology, or human/cultural ecology programs.
Environmental Education at Home
For young children, developing an appreciation of nature is one of the foremost principles in environmental education. You can also introduce astronomy to all ages to develop an even greater appreciation for the magnificence of our universe and for our amazing life-sustaining planet we call Earth. As you child gets older you can teach them more about our closed ecosystem and global trends. Practice what you preach and make the 3 R's part of your lifestyle: reduce, reuse and recycle. Keep your environmental education positive and not preachy. Appreciate nature and try your best to move towards more sustainable practices.
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know what you are doing in your school or home to expand your environmental education program.
