Abstract:
In India introduction of ten years school curriculum envisages teaching of environmental studies from the beginning of school education (NCERT 1975 a) Introduction of environmental studies in curriculum has specific purpose during the present period of environmental crisis and deterioration. The primary education being the terminal stage for about 50% of the children of our country and nearly 67% of the children drop out before reaching Class-VIII. The main objective of introduction of environmental studies in school curriculum is to develop an awareness and understanding of environment related problems. The framework suggested for 10 years schooling gives outline of the various subjects to be included at lower and upper primary stage and secondary stage. At lower primary stage during the first two years (classes I and II) study of science is visualized as Environmental studies (EVS), which is a composite course including both natural and social environment. In Classes III to V environmental studies is taught as two subjects EVS-I is devoted to natural science and EVS-II to social science. Science should help the child to discover and understand the scientific facts, concepts, . principles, and processes underlying various phenomenon around them. Social studies at this stage should widen the child's mental horizon from his/her home, school and neighborhood to the state, country and the world.
