Abstract

The education system is a significant and essential part of developing in our children a connection with and feeling of responsibility for nature. The disciplinary structure of our school system may give the impression to students that different environmental problems are not connected; whereas, effective environmental education is interdisciplinary, addressing social, historical, political, and aesthetic aspects, not simply focusing on natural science. Environmental education can build motivation to learn by increasing relevance, integration of topics, and allowing decision making to be in the hands of the students. This style of teaching can eventually lead to feelings of responsibility toward the Earth and feelings of competence to take action on sustainability. If more environmental education programs can shift toward contexts that are integrated, inquiry driven and student centered, we may see an increased sense of belonging and self esteem, as well as benefits to ecological literacy and; therefore, benefits to society at large.