Editor - Jan Weaver

208 Tucker Hall, MU 65211

What Research Says About Environmental Education

by Jan Weaver

Americans think they are knowledgeable about the environment, 70% rate themselves as fairly knowledgeable, but only 10% receive a passing grade on a multiple choice quiz of basic environmental knowledge.1 They may suspect they don't know as much as they think, because 95% think there should be environmental education in the schools.1 So, what do we know about our lack of understanding, and what do we know about how to fix it? The information below summarizes some of the research on the topic.

What factors appear to account for the lack of knowledge? 1) Causal Disconnect - People can connect littering to an individual's thoughtless behavior or dumping pollutants in a river to a particular irresponsible factory, but it becomes more difficult for the average person to locate the underlying causes when they are more than two steps removed from the problem, involve basic laws of nature, are the result of many small individual choices, or some combination of the previous factors. In the absence of a meaningful exposure to the second law of thermodynamics, the water cycle, or current industrial farming practices, it might be difficult to see the difference between the impact of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich versus a half pound hamburger on the environment. 2) Sound Bite Sources of Information - When the primary source of information is a medium that has only a small amount of space or time to get its message across, and which relies on triggers which make us anxious to get our attention, you are not going to get much thoughtful in-depth analysis. 3) Only Understanding What Fits One's Worldview - Our worldview is constructed over a lifetime of experience, it helps us predict outcomes of our actions, helps us understand what is happening around us and helps provide meaning in our lives. So, when we are confronted with information or analysis that does not fit, that is unfamiliar or disquieting, we typically react by reinterpreting the information to fit our worldview, questioning the source's legitimacy or motives, or by disregarding it altogether.1

What has to happen for people to practice environmentally responsible behavior? 1) Attachment - For people to care about protecting the environment, they have to develop an empathetic perspective towards the environment. This has to happen early, possibly before the age of 5, and usually it will be the result of frequent (weekly) positive interactions in nature with a caring adult, a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle. 2) Ownership - This means an in-depth knowledge of the issues with personal investment in them. People need to be fluent in nature, be able to predict, at a minimum, how the second law of thermodynamics, biogeochemical cycles, population growth and evolution will respond to some human intervention. 3) Empowerment - People need knowledge of and skill in using environmental action strategies. This means they need to understand how people behave as individuals (governed by self interest, perception, meaning) and as a society (with tendencies towards social stratification, and exploitation of commons). And they need to understand who sets the rules and goals of their social systems and how they can be influenced. 2

What kind of teaching (in schools) is effective in helping develop attachment, ownership and empowerment with respect to the environment? 1) Relevant Context - Environmental themes must be place based, focusing on specific local issues, where students may already have some familiarity and attachment and where it is easier to collect information and connect with the issue directly. 2) Innovative Teaching Strategies - The environmental themes should be integrated with the subject matter, not taught separately; the material should be interdisciplinary - studying the history as well as the chemistry of a stream; it should be collaborative, involving teachers from different disciplines and outside experts in discovery, understanding and assessment; it should have a problem solving or question answering focus; and it should involve cooperative and independent student work. 3) Learner Centered - There should be long term involvement in the project, something that takes place over weeks or months instead of in one day; it should provide opportunities for autonomous student behavior things like skill development and use, choices about the direction the project goes in, and structured reflection on progress. 4) Authentic Assessment - The outcomes of the work should not just be scores on standardized tests, but research papers, diagrams, essays, reports, legislative bills, grants, and community projects.3

What can high quality environmental education do for K-12 students' test scores? High quality environmental education (described above) almost always improves scores in elementary, middle and high school grades on standardized tests of language arts, math, science and social studies compared to students in control groups within and between schools (including schools matched for demographic characteristics).4 It is quite likely that any theme or topic that used the teaching strategies described in the previous section would accomplish the same thing. The value of place-based, local environmental themes is that they lend themselves so well to innovative, learner centered, authentically assessed teaching.

What can high quality EE do for K-12 students' attitudes? Not only does high quality environmental education almost always improve scores on standardized tests, it also improves student attitudes towards school, leading to increased attendance, enthusiasm about learning and reduced behavior problems.4

6 Steps to successfully incorporating environmental education into the classroom 1) Start Small - Set up a team of like- minded teachers (ones who like innovative strategies, are learner centered, use authentic assessment, have environmental concerns - don't start with teachers who are resistant!), limit it to two or three subjects, and a one or two month activity. If it is successful, it can grow, if not, the small size will help with diagnosis of the problems and revision of the plan. 2) Plan Well - Don't jump into it after watching a tv special or hearing about someone's experience at a conference. Start planning well in advance of implementation, set up a team, assign communication and other tasks, be thorough about curriculum integration, and develop assessments aligned with teaching goals. 3) Involve Administration - Keep the administration informed from beginning, don't over promise results in the first year, give up something (time) to show commitment, and develop buy-in over time with successful results (improved test scores and attendance or decreased behavior problems). 4) Build Networks - find and involve outside experts (who will become supporters) in your project. In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources deals with environmental quality and state parks, and the Department of Conservation is responsible for wildlife and conservation and outdoor education. Other resources are city and county parks, water and light, solid waste, and waste water staff, faculty at colleges and universities, and local and state environmental organizations. 5) Evaluate and Revise - Have clear goals and objectives from the beginning, plan how you are going to evaluate progress towards goals and use the results to revise the curriculum. 6) Be Patient - This may be the most difficult for teachers who have just discovered there are problems with the environment. However slow, steady, successful integration of environmental themes will do more in the long run. Plan on adding like-minded team members (as they come along) and integrated study units over time.6

Sources

1. Coyle. 2005. Environmental Literacy in America: What ten years of NEETF Roper Research and Related Studies Say About Environmental Literacy in the U.S. http://www.neefusa.org/pdf/ELR2005.pdf 2. Hungerford and Volk 1990. Changing learner behavior through environmental education. Journal of Environmental Education. 21(3): 8-21 3. NEETF 2000 http://www.neefusa.org/pdf/NEETF8400.pdf 4. Lieberman and Hoody. 1998. Closing the Achievement Gap: Using the Environment as an Integrating Context for Learning; Lieberman & Caldwell. 2000. California Assessment Project; SEER 2005 California Student Assessment Project Phase Two (all three available at http://www.seer.org/pages/research.html) 5. Holsman. 2002. Non-science teacher perceptions of EE. http://eetap.org/media/pdf/ FocusGroupReport.pdf 6. Teachers involved in SEER projects http://www.seer.org/pages/research.html

Visit www.meea.org - the website of the Missouri Environmental Education Association, for information on environmental education in Missouri.

Special Events/Programs/Classes/Talks

BOONE COUNTY FARMER'S MARKET OPENS: Wednesday April 7, at West Blvd and Worley

BLIND ANGLERS OF THE BIG MUDDY: April 8, 7 pm, Bryant Cabin [I-70 west, right/north on Overton/Wooldridge exit #111 past bridge, left/west on Highway 98, right on Brady Lane, past Loesing parking area and through gate] presented by Andy Roberts of the USFWS. The mysterious biology of freshwater mussels. http://www.friendsofbigmuddy.org/meetings.htm

CLEAN UP COLUMBIA DAY: April 12. Call 874-7499 for details on registering

WILD ONES FORUM TRAILHEAD BED REPAIR AND SPARE SHARE: April 12, 10 am, Forum Blvd MKT trailhead, clean up wildflower bed and share plants

NATIVE PLANT SALE: April 12, 9-Noon, Bradford Farm http://aes.missouri.edu/bradford/events/

JAMESON ISLAND HIKE: April 12, 10 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, Jameson Island parking lot. Free tours of the cultural and natural history of Arrow Rock and the Jameson Island refuge unit. http://www.friendsofbigmuddy.org/ArrowRockTours.htm

WILD CAVE TOURS: April 15 - May 16, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Daylong, adventure-style wild cave tour. Some fees apply. Contact park for brochure and schedule 573-449-7402. http://www.mostateparks.com/rockbridge/cave.htm

MU BIKE FEST: April 16, 9:30 am - 3:30 am, Lowry Mall on the MU campus. A bike safety and awareness event hosted by Sustain Mizzou, opportunities to sign up for bike workshops and get bike gear!

TREE PLANTING AT OVERTON BOTTOMS NORTH: April 13, http://www.friendsofbigmuddy.org/next_outingb.htm

COLUMBIA EARTH DAY: Sunday April 20, Peace Park, MU Campus & Downtown Columbia. Booth Registration open. http://www.columbiaearthday.org/ - Entertainment! Peace Park Stage: Rutheford, Lee Expressive Arts: "The Lorax", Utah, Columbia City Wide Drum Line, Bartholemew Bean, Subterranean, Dragonflies, d'Agostino Family Choie, Violet Vonder Haar, Mere Mortals, Dr. Chordate, Goldbugs, Deva Dancers, Jimmy Spitz, Sean Erickson and the Blue Bags; 8th Street Stage: MU Jazz Department; Kids Park (in Peace Park) with art, critters and environmental activities for kids! Eco Avenue with practical, down to earth advice on how to become more sustainable! West Field with ways to get in touch with your natural self!

CONSERVATION ECONOMICS: April 24, 4 pm, 106 Lefevre, presentation by Dr. Jeff Wagner, Rochester Inst. Technology

HARTSBURG MISSOURI RIVER RELIEF CLEANUP: April 26, 9 am - 3 pm http://www.riverrelief.org/events/08hartsburg.html

7th ANNUAL BIKE, WALK, WHEEL: May 3-9, http://www.pednet.org/ - also, information on bicycling classes for youth and people who want to take up bike commuting

TIGER TREASURES RUMMAGE SALE: May 31, MU Football Stadium. www.cf.missouri.edu/tigertreasures (after 4/11)

FLICKER, FLICKER FIREFLY: June 21, 7:30 pm, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. reservations required 573-449-7402

NATIVE PLANT FIELD DAY: June 26, Bradford Farm

Organization Meetings and Contact Information

AUDUBON SOCIETY: 874-3904 / columbia-audubon.missouri.org Meet 3rd Wed 7:30 pm, Unitarian Church, 2615 Shepard Blvd.

BIG CANOE: 573-875-8590 / bryce_crispies@yahoo.com / http://www.bigcanoemo.org/ - Saturday workdays 10-1 at 406 Sanford

BOONE COUNTY SMART GROWTH COALITION: http://smartgrowth.missouri.org/, 1st Weds 7:15 Boone Co Govt Ctr.

CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING: 875-0539 or http://www.midmopeaceworks.org/sustainableliving.php

CHOUTEAU GROTTO: http://chouteau.missouri.org/, Meet 1st Wed, 7 pm, The Casteel Building, 1518 Business Loop 70 East

COLUMBIA CLIMATE CHANGE COALITION: 573-529-9273, Meet 3rd Thu http://www.columbiaclimatechangecoalition.org/

COLUMBIA FOOD CIRCLE: 882-7463 or http://foodcircles.missouri.edu/sources.htm

COLUMBIA PUBLIC WORKS VOL. PROGRAMS: 874-6271 or http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Volunteer/Opportunities/#PW

COMMUNITY GARDEN COALITION: 875-5995 or cgardenc@yahoo.com or http://cgc.missouri.org 3rd Thursdays 7 pm Columbia Public Library

ENV EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES: http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/teacher/workshops/

FRIENDS OF BIG MUDDY: friends@friendsofbigmuddy.org or www.friendsofbigmuddy.org 2nd Tues, 7 pm, Bryant Cabin

FRIENDS OF ROCK BRIDGE M. S. P.: 815-9255 or http://rockbridge.missouri.org/ Outdoors Bldg, 200 Old 63 S.

GET ABOUT COLUMBIA: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/GetAbout_Columbia/index.php

GREEKS GOING GREEN: new group for fraternities and sororities at MU sauzp5@mizzou.edu

GREEN SANCTUARY: 1st Fridays, 7:00 pm UU Church 2615 Shepard Blvd alternates green movies and discussions g_baka2002@yahoo.com

GREENBELT LAND TRUST OF MID-MISSOURI: 442-4789, greenbelt.land.trust @gmail.com or http://greenbelt.missouri.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE: 815-9836, drop off/ buy 1906 Monroe St. Columbia Mon to Fri 8:30 to 3:30, Sat 8-1 1pm,

MISSOURI ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION: www.meea.org

MO NATIVE PLANT SOC.: http://columbianativeplants.missouri.org/, 2nd Mon, odd months, 7 p.m., UU Church, 2615 Shepard

MISSOURI RIVER COMMUNITIES NETWORK: 573-256-2602 or www.moriver.org or moriver@coin.org

MISSOURIANS FOR SAFE ENERGY: http://www.mosafeenergy.org/Content/ first Tuesdays, 7:15, Peace Nook on Broadway

PEDNET COALITION: email: pednet@pednet.org or http://www.pednet.org

RIVER RELIEF: http://www.riverrelief.org/

ROCK BRIDGE MEMORIAL STATE PARK: 449-7402 or http://rockbridge.missouri.org

SHOW ME CLEAN STREAMS COALITION: (573) 751-4115 ext 3169 or www.mostreamteam.org

SIERRA CLUB: 875-2916, http://missouri.sierraclub.org/osage/index.htm 3rd Tuesdays 7:30 pm Hillel Found., 1107 University Ave

SUSTAIN MIZZOU: http://students.missouri.edu/~sustainmizzou/

WILD ONES: 573 882-9909, ext 3257 or email wildonesmo@yahoo.com, http://wildones.missouri.org Meetings 2nd Saturdays.

Feedback - Got an opinion? If we have space, we will consider publishing it. Submit it by email (envstudy@missouri.edu), snail mail (Environmental Studies, 211 Lowry , MU, Columbia MO 65211), or call Jan Weaver to talk about it (882-7116). MU Environmental Network News is published by MU's Environmental Studies Initiative. All opinions expressed are the responsibility of the editor. Any part of this newsletter may be copied for distribution but please give us credit.