A Study of Correlation of Scholastic Achievement in Science with Environmental Attitude and Environmental Practices of VIII - Grade Students

Abstract

The Environment is the precious gift of nature to mankind. Man has been an inseparable part of the environment ever since his appearance on the earth. In the beginning the limited needs of primitive man did not disturb the harmony of nature. However, with the growth of human population, industrialization and deforestation, the present-day environmental crisis has emerged. If environmental degradation is not checked in time, it will endanger man's existence on earth. The need of the hour is to prepare environmentally conscious citizens, who are concerned with saving the environment from disaster. It might happen only when people are knowledgeable about their environment, the associated problems and their solutions. At the same time, people must be motivated to work towards those solutions. Education has always played a crucial role in social change, because it disseminates knowledge, provides necessary skills and helps in forming certain attitudes. Environmental education is needed for the wise management of the total environment. It is a general perception that more qualified persons or scholars are comparatively more sensitive towards the environment. It is said that, their behaviour is comparatively positive regarding environment. However it is important to have an empirical research based evidence for such general perception. Environmental attitude is reflected by means of objectivity in behaviour, whereas environmental awareness concerns the preservation of nature.