Searching for Effective Environmental Education: A Study of Children’s Environmental Knowing in a Marine Science Program

• In Event: Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Environmental Learning, Knowing, and Action-Competence in Children and Youth

Abstract

Direct and in-depth experiences with other (non-human) animals can develop environmental knowledge, connection, caring, and commitment for the natural world, but what kind of experiences foster this environmental knowing among children and what do these experiences look like in practice? This study investigates children and their relationships with aquatic animals during a five-day environmental education experience at a marine science centre. We present children’s environmental stories as they observe, study, and interact with their chosen animals, and consider how their experiences inform and enhance their environmental knowledge, caring, advocacy, and commitment to action.

Authors

• Sandra Anne Scott, The University of British Columbia

• Douglas Adler, The University of British Columbia