Environmental education is not a new idea with subjects such as nature studies around in the UK since the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The subject matter in those days, however, was perhaps more about plants and animals, whereas today sustainability is also a key element of environmental education.
Environmental education (sometimes referred to as EE) actually comes into many different subjects under today’s National Curriculum and schools in England are required, under the heading of ‘education for sustainable development’, to “develop [pupils’] awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the environments in which they live, and secure their commitment to sustainable development at a personal, local, national and global level”. Subjects under which environmental education can be developed include science and geography, but there are undoubtedly opportunities within many other subjects too.
It is never too early to begin environmental education, and it is included in UK education from primary schools upwards. Environmental education is also important in the home, however. Whilst schools may be able to provide scientific background information and the opportunity to be involved in environmental projects, the influence of parents and guardians on how eco conscious children grow up to be should not be under estimated. Involvement in simple tasks such as recycling, energy saving and water saving will increase awareness of environmental issues and encourage greener thinking.
The Council for Environmental Education website has more information.
Visit the following pages for related information:
Also check out our environmental science page for more information on some of the environmental subjects available at a higher education level.
