Case Studies of Selected High School Environmental Education Classes

Abstract

Integration of environmental education throughout the curriculum provides the range of perspectives and knowledge necessary for environmental understanding but creates other problems. One suggestion for alleviating these difficulties at the secondary level is to create distinct environmental education courses, possibly as part of the science curriculum. Although such courses may reduce the difficulties inherent in an integrated approach, other complications may arise. The author conducted case studies of selected environmental courses, taught by seven teachers in six Illinois secondary schools. The findings indicate some similarities and differences in environmental education programs at the secondary school level and suggest some directions for similar courses.