Integration of Environmental Education in the Mathematics Curriculum

• In Event: 66.080 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 66.080-9 - Researching Domains in STEM and Diversity in Environmental Education

Abstract

This experimental mixed method research aimed to investigate: 1) effects of integrating environmental education in mathematics on students’ achievement in mathematics and environmental awareness; and 2) teaching strategies that can be used for the integration. A sample of 175 students and twelve teachers was conveniently selected from three schools in Jamaica and one in the U.S. Treatments were six Mathematics lessons. Findings revealed that there are numerous teaching strategies that can be used to integrate, e.g. calculate how much water is wasted when students leave the water on while brushing teeth and examine bar graphs of water consumption per person per day in different countries. Integration of environmental education significantly increases students’ achievement and their environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

Authors

• Peter Yee Han Joong, University of the West Indies

• Joy Baker-Gibson, University of the West Indies