Effect of the environmental education curriculum on the development of environmental attitude amongst elementary school students from a tribal area of M.P. (Lakhnadawn & Chapara Block, Dist~-Seoni)

Abstract

The study of the Environment has become a necessity in the present time. The gradual pollution of the environment on the earth and its vast effects have put a question- mark on our very existence. The over hectic and busy life in the race of modern era and sense of indifference towards nature have compelled us to think about environmental issues. A need was thus felt that the new generation should be made aware of the environment so that they can be conscious about environmental activities. In recent years ecologists and environmentalists have sounded an alarm of an environmental crisis. If man's craze and race for material progress which is resulting in an indiscriminate and savage assault of the environment continues, the planet earth may be ruined as a home for mankind. There is clear evidence today that the environment is suffering irreparable damage and that our present way of life is not sustainable. There is a need for public understanding of the issues and alternative course of action so as to be able to move from crisis - oriented remedial efforts to positive directions that support quality of life (UNESCO. 1977). In the last 10 years the view of our planet as a spaceship has become established, Fuller (1969) first used the terms spaceship earth. The essence of this view is the realisation that, the earth, for all practical purposes is a closed system and both its resources and its capacity to absorb waste product are finite. The relationship of human beings to the environment is complex and the fact that human welfare hinges on all other things in the environment has necessitated a formal and systematic global Environmental Education to try to seek solutions and provide answers to the environmental problem.