UNIT - V
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM
1
STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION IN SCHOOL
CURRICULUM
Environmental education in school curricula varies widely
across countries and regions, influenced by factors such as
national policies, educational priorities, and cultural
contexts.
The education system in India had incorporated certain
aspects of environment in school curricula as early as 1930.
The Kothari commission (1964-66) also suggested that
basic education had to offer environmental education and
relate it to the life needs and aspirations of the people and the
nation.
2
STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Environmental education has been introduced in school
curriculum at pre-school level, elementary level and higher
secondary level both in State board (Tamil Nadu) schools
and in Central (CBSE) schools.
Pre-school level : At pre-school level, a general awareness
about the personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness
are introduced in a simplified version through a number of
colorful diagrammatic illustrations. Rhymes related to.
nature are also introduced.
3
Elementary level
At the elementary level, the focus is stressed towards the
environmental cleanliness.
The concept of 'environment' is introduced.
The relationship between the child and environment, raising
awareness levels and sensitizing children about
environmental concerns is emphasized.
Emphasis has also been laid on the need to organize
learning in local specific contexts, which will provide more
meaningful experiences to children.
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Elementary level
Aspects of indigenous knowledge have also been introduced.
There are references and suggestions for conducting
activities in and outside the classroom.
The environmental studies generally take a comprehensive
view of the natural, physical, social and cultural
environment.
The child understands that he or she is surrounded by land,
water, air, plants and animals.
The role of environment is brought out through storytelling
and singing songs.
But less emphasis is given to various practical activities in
connection with environmental education.
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Secondary level
Environmental education at the secondary level plays a
crucial role in equipping students with knowledge, skills,
and values necessary to understand and address
environmental challenges.
At secondary level, both in CBSE pattern and in State board
school (Tamil Nadu) pattern the course materials are built on
fundamental understanding of ecological and
biogeographically principles.
The important objectives are, to understand the ecological
principles and issues and to know about the conservation.
6
Higher secondary level
In general, at higher secondary level, only those students
selecting science subjects like mathematics, physics,
chemistry and biology are exposed to environmental
education.
They are all more concerned with pollution ecology,
population ecology and the role of science and technology in
eliminating or minimizing the various environmental
problems.
The arts students are inadequately exposed to environmental
education.
7
Need for Environmental Education in
School Curriculum
To create awareness about various environmental issues
among the school students
To make them environmentally literate. By acquiring
environmental agness, they can make proper decisions to
protect the environment
To provide the necessary attitude for the conservation of
environment among the students
To provide the knowledge about ecological systems, 'cause
and effect relationship
To understand the ecology energy flow system and its
influence on man.
To develop skill to solve the environmental problems among
the school learners;
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Need for Environmental Education in
School Curriculum
To provide necessary information about biodiversity
richness and the potential dangers to the species of plants,
animals and microorganisms.
To understand the causes and consequences due to natural
and man induced disasters. To study the problems of over
population, health,
hygienic etc., and to find out the way of eliminating
these problems. To realize the need for sustainable
utilization of natural resources.
To develop an appreciation of species and habitat
management techniques
9
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EDUCATION
Primary Education Stage: The emphasis should be largely
on building environmental awareness followed by real life
situations and conservation. The content to be used includes
the child's surroundings.
Low Secondary Stage: where the quantum of awareness
decreases with increased knowledge of real life situations,
conservation and sustainable development. As the objectives
at this stage are real life experiences, awareness and problem
identification, the contents to be used are the subjects taught
at the primary school level supplemented with general
science and field visits.
10
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EDUCATION
Higher Secondary Stage: The emphasis must be on
conservation, assimilation of knowledge, problem
identification and action skills. The content used in this
phase may be based on science with practical work and field
work.
College Stage: The emphasis must be on sustainable
development, followed by conservation, real life situations
and problem solving. The content must be based on science
and technology.
11
INNOVATIVE METHODS OF TEACHING
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Teaching environmental education can be enhanced through
innovative methods that engage students, foster critical
thinking, and promote active learning.
Implementing these innovative methods can enrich the
learning experience, inspire students to become
environmental stewards, and empower them to contribute to
a more sustainable future.
12
Field Trips
Environmental education places a high priority on field trips
as a means of observing and experiencing the real life
environment.
It stresses the investigative skills of observing and
measuring, the diagnostic and decision-making skills of
analyzing and synthesizing.
The field trip also allows participation of each student by
using variety of abilities and talents present in the group.
13
The advantages of field trip
It provides first-hand experience that cannot be provided in
the classroom.
It helps to relate the concepts taught in the classroom to the
environment, helping in better concept retention.
It enhances their observation and data recording skills.
Students are active, motivation is inherent and critical
thinking is also enhanced during field study. This is
particularly beneficial to average and below average
learners.
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The advantages of field trip
It improves social behaviour and interpersonal relationships.
It helps in gathering information for subsequent use in
classroom teaching or laboratory work.
It provides ample opportunities to apply concepts to real life
situations there by leading to value formulation.
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Workshop
Workshop is an effective strategy in teaching environmental
education. It is an activity oriented method of educational
process.
Regarding environmental education, workshops can be
organized in school with various topics. As workshop is a
get-together for some creative educational activity, the
student's creativity is improved and interest in participating
such educational activities is also improved.
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Workshop
The workshop provides learning experiences for both
students and teachers.
The participants of the workshop execute plans, solve
problems, collect and organize resources, develop tests and
resolve all kinds of difficulties in learning.
In a good workshop, the participants know, understand and
accept the purpose to be achieved.
There is an also follow-up activity in workshop method in
which the participants put all the learned things into action.
17
Advantages of workshop
Workshops increase the interest of students to work
cooperatively.
It involves most of all the skills of cognitive, affective and
psychomotor domains.
Various solutions are emerged for many problems related to
the subject discussed in the workshop.
The workshop focuses on the individual talents as well as the
efforts of the group.
18
Advantages of workshop
Workshops help the individuals to clarify his thinking, focus
his attention on specific factors, analyze processes, argue out
the detail through and arrive at conclusion.
Students are provided opportunities to listen to the speeches
and activities of various scholars and subject experts. They
work together with them.
19
Exhibition
Exhibition in environmental education means presentation to
view al display or showing off the materials relevant to
environmental studies.
Exhibits or exhibition can be arranged to show the project
work of the students or to highlight the environmental
problems in order to get suitable remedies.
Different habits explaining various concepts of
environmental education can be displayed in collaboration
with various environmental organisation.
20
Exhibition
Students will take part very actively in these exhibitions and
show their abilities. They also explain the observers about
the environmental problems and solutions,
The organisation of the exhibition should provide, for ample
spheres for the development of skills of the members.
The planning and the procedure should be detailed and
should fulfil the ambitions of the members.
It is essential to form a committee to organize the exhibition.
Teachers should be properly trained in organizing
exhibitions
21
Advantages of Exhibition
Exhibition is based on the principle of learning by doing.
The learners can observe, analyze, criticize and apply the
scientific laws
They get chances of picking up skills by means of
participation in the exhibition.
They can learn how to co-operate and show leadership
qualities while working in the exhibition.
Exhibition promotes scientific attitude among the learners.
It helps the learners to use science in life situation.
22
Advantages of Exhibition
It promotes exploration and creative spirit among the
learners.
It propagates scientific information.
It enhances the healthy spirit of competition among the
participants.
The spirit of inquiry can be developed by organizing
exhibitions.
23
Video Shows
Audio-visual material provides a rich medium for teaching
and learning.
Video can effectively communicate complex information to a
student and can become a powerful expressive tool.
The aim of using video is to get students energized.
Using sight and sound, video is the perfect medium for
students who are auditory or visual learners.
Video stimulates and engages students creating interest and
maintaining that interest for longer periods of time.
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Video Shows
It provides an innovative and effective means for educators
to address and deliver the required curriculum content.
The benefits of using video in education includes providing a
sensory experience that allows concepts and ideas to actually
become an experience and come to life as students are
guided through each adventure.
25
Advantages of video show
Visual and Audio Stimulation.
Real-World Context and Examples.
Accessibility and Flexibility.
Cross-Cultural and Global Perspectives.
Integration with Digital Literacy.
26
Nature Club/Eco-club
A Nature Club or Eco-club is a school-based or community-
based organization focused on promoting environmental
awareness, conservation activities, and sustainability
practices among students and the community.
Nature Clubs/Eco-clubs are valuable platforms for
promoting environmental education, fostering community
engagement, and empowering students to become proactive
stewards of the environment.
27
Objectives of Eco-clubs
Inculcating an environmental perspective among the
members.
Motivating the members to participate in environmental
activities.
Organizing activities to promote members interest in
surroundings and real life situations.
Organizing activities in which the members can take part
individually and collectively.
Enhancing the capacity of the members for research,
creativity and innovation.
28
Objectives of Eco-clubs
Promoting the habit of cooperation among members.
Making the members active participants in different
activities.
Making the members understand the importance of
Environmental Education.
Making the members comprehend the gravity of the
environmental pollution.
Making the members aware of the strategies of
environmental protection.
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Objectives of Eco-clubs
Creating awareness about environmental laws among
members.
Making the members partners in the process of sustainable
development.
Enhancing the member's skills in the utilization of natural
resources.
Encouraging the use of renewable resources.
30
Eco-clubs' Activities
Inviting experts on environmental protection, for lectures.
Exhibiting films on environmental subjects.
Organizing exhibitions on the adverse effects of
environmental degradation and the steps that should be taken
to check environmental degradation.
Organizing debating, essay writing and quiz competitions on
environmental problems.
Put up a bulletin board in school and display news relating
to environment.
31
Eco-clubs' Activities
Prepare charts, models etc. pertaining to environment.
Organizing important days relating to environment viz.
Protecting the school's environment, especially by planting
trees around schools.
Each student on his or her birthday or any other significant
day, should plant a tree either in school or elsewhere and
nurture its growth.
Implementing environmental sanitation, rain harvesting, etc.
projects like
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Eco-clubs' Activities
Organizing rallies for the cause of environment and forming
human chains.
Conducting field visits to industries and slums to enable the
students to have first-hand experience on the sources of
pollution.
Bringing about environmental awareness among people
through organization of street plays at public places.
Suggesting solutions for prevention of water scarcity and
pollution.
33
INNOVATIVE METHODS OF TEACHING
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Project-Based Learning (PBL).
Use of Technology and Virtual Reality (VR)
Environmental Debates and Role-Playing.
Art and Creative Expression.
Green Campus Initiatives
Competitions
34
PROBLEMS FACED IN ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
Resource Constraints.
High Dropout Rate
Social Constraints
Difficulty in Assessment
A shortage of trained education officers.
A shortage of supporting staff and office equipment's at the
National Environmental Education Centre.
35
PROBLEMS FACED IN ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
Shortage of environmental education materials for teachers
and students Weak monitoring system
Lack of good communication networks, cooperation and
coordination within and among the various governmental
and non-governmental organizations
Lack of government priorities or political will for
environmental policy.
36
PROBLEMS FACED IN ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
Lack of recognition of communication as a valuable tool for
policy.
Lack of appropriate legislative framework, enforcement and
institutional support.
Limited resources like funds and suitable materials to
address the environment and environmental education.
Government control of mass media Lack of commitment and
involvement on the part of the people concerned.
37
PROBLEMS FACED IN ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
High turnover of staff in schools and government.
Lack of focus on schools and emphasis on formal education
Excessive curriculum and lack of teacher training and
resources.
38
ROLE OF UNEP IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the
leading global environmental authority that sets the global
environmental agenda.
It promotes the coherent implementation of the
environmental dimension of sustainable development within
the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative
advocate for the global environment.
has its headquarters in the Gigiri neighbourhood of Nairobi,
Kenya, UNEP also has six regional offices and various
country offices. 39
ROLE OF UNEP IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
UNEP's activities cover a wide range of issues regarding the
atmosphere, marine and terrestrial ecosystems,
environmental governance and green economy.
A major goal of the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) is to catalyze and encourage international and
national action for more effective management of the
environment.
The UNEP's structure includes seven substantive Divisions
namely Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA),
Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI), Technology,
Industry and Economics (DTIE), Regional Cooperation
(DRC), Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC),
Communications and Public Information (DCPI) and Global
Environment Facility Coordination (DGEF).
40
ROLE OF UNEP IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
The UNEP's main activities are related to climate change,
including the Territorial Approach to Climate Change
(TACC), disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management,
environmental governance. Environment under review,
harmful substances and resource efficiency
UNEP plays a critical role in global environmental
governance, advocating for sustainable development,
promoting environmental stewardship, and facilitating
cooperation among nations to address pressing
environmental challenges facing the planet today and in the
future.
41
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) is an
organization based in India that is dedicated to promoting
environmental awareness, education, and sustainable
development.
It was established in August 1984 as a Centre of Excellence
supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
CEE, a national institution with its headquarters in
Ahmedabad, has a mandate to promote environmental
awareness nationwide.
The Centre has 41 offices across India including regional
cells in Bangalore (South), Guwahati (North East), Luck
now (North), Ahmedabad (West) and Pune (Central).
42
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) is an
organization based in India that is dedicated to promoting
environmental awareness, education, and sustainable
development.
It was established in August 1984 as a Centre of Excellence
supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
CEE, a national institution with its headquarters in
Ahmedabad, has a mandate to promote environmental
awareness nationwide.
The Centre has 41 offices across India including regional
cells in Bangalore (South), Guwahati (North East), Luck
now (North), Ahmedabad (West) and Pune (Central).
43
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
CEE is associated with 3000 schools across India and further
reaching to millions of school children and youth through
their various programmes.
CEE develops innovative programmes, educational material,
and builds capacity in the field of Education and Sustainable
Development.
By empowering individuals and communities with
knowledge and skills, CEE contributes to building a more
environmentally conscious and sustainable society.
44
ROLE OF NCERT IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
The National Council of Educational Research and Training
(NCERT) is an autonomous organization of the Government
of India that is responsible for developing and publishing
textbooks and educational resources for school education in
India.
For the promotion of environmental education at school
level NCERT undertakes the following activities also.
For the promotion of environmental education at school
level NCERT undertakes the following activities also.
Strengthening infusion of environmental education.
Extension activities such as publication of quarterly journal
'School Science and organizing a National Science
Exhibition every year. The Themes of the exhibition are
generally environment based. 45
ROLE OF NCERT IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
Training programme for teachers and teacher educators
through existing educational / scientific/research institutions.
Providing some space within the education system to discuss
environment separately and emphasize its linkages with
other disciplines.
Development of films/ video programmes on Indian
environment. There is a film library in NCERT that provides
films to schools.
Publication of supplementary reading materials.
Encourage non-governmental organisation, mass media and
other concerned organisation for promoting awareness
among the people at all levels.
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Thank You
