Development and evaluation of an environmental education program for public school use, Craig County, Virginia

Abstract

An environmental education program using the strands method of teaching was developed for Craig County, Virginia. All students were given a pre-test of knowledge and attitude in September 1972. The program was then implemented for the school year 1972-73. In May of 1973 all students were tested a second time for knowledge and attitude. Giles' (1958) Conservation Knowledge test and Georges' (1966) attitude test were employed in the study. A control group of students in Highland County received the same tests administered in an identical fashion, without the use of the environmental education program. Pre and post-test scores were paired and a paired-t statistical analysis was made for the means. Percent changes in scores were calculated for pre and post-test scores at all grade levels.

Increases in scores significant at the 99 percent level were displayed in 7 of 12 grades for knowledge attainment and 5 of 12 grades for attitude improvement.

Recommendations for future improvement were made. Data lead to the conclusion that for these two counties, future environmental education programs of the type described should be concentrated in grades five and six.