Abstract:
The environmental challenges we face today will continue to become more complex and each individual will be called upon to make critical decisions that will affect the environment. These decisions must be made by an environmentally literate group of people who understand the core elements and complexities of their decisions. Given the need for increased environmental literacy, when should environmental education begin? This case study takes a look at just one element of environmental education – energy education – at two 3rd grade classes in Leesville Elementary School in Raleigh, NC. Through eight learning modules and hands-on activities, the young students demonstrate that even at the 3rd grade level, they are eager to learn more about the environment and are prepared to become environmental stewards. Based on the success of the program, this report investigates methods to integrate environmental education into the K-12 curriculum to help foster the environmental literacy of tomorrow’s leaders
