Creating Connections: Understanding Children's Diverse Perspectives on Environmental Issues

• In Event: 33.073 - Effects on Student Learning in the Science Classroom

Abstract

There is a call for science education to educate students whose understanding and attitudes towards the environment show a commitment towards addressing local and global environmental issues. Exploring children’s experiences, understandings and views on environmental issues within disadvantaged communities is essential to address social justice as it is the powerless and poor communities that are more vulnerable. However, it is still unclear what children from diverse cultures and socio-economic status know about environmental issues. In this study I explored the views and understandings of Primary school children from disadvantaged communities from Ecuador and Australia. I identified what views students hold regarding their most pressing needs and how environmental issues are placed among the issues they identified as affecting their communities.

Author

• Carolina Castano, Australian Catholic University