A Model Environmental Guide for the Huron Independent School District, Huron, South Dakota

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1974

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology

Abstract

Awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the world of nature we live in becomes more necessary each day. Instruction of our young people in environmental education must be an immediate priority if the interaction and balance necessary for the operation of nature's laws are to continue to function. Imbalance and the breakdown of steps in the interaction process are obvious in the ecological problems we already face; to allow lack of knowledge and thoughtless waste to continue to destroy our earth's resources would be not only unpardonable inaction on our part but also a suicidal path for mankind to follow. Education of young people should be directed to the development and clarification of beliefs, attitudes, and values that are compatible with each student within his environment. Kirk calls this education outdoor education and states that "Outdoor education utilizes the out-of-doors to cultivate reverence for life through an ecological exploration of the interdependence of all living things, one on the other, and to form a land ethic illustrating man's temporary stewardship of the land.'' Roth calls this education environmental education and defines it as "A process of developing a citizenry that is knowledgeable of the inter-related biophysical and sociocultural environments of which man is a part." Man should be aware of environmental problems and management alternatives available in solving these problems. He also needs to be motivated to work towards the maintenance and further development of diverse environments that create optimum living conditions. Generally, teachers lack sufficient preparation in teaching environmental problems. Yet each day the number of environmental problems facing society increases. Because today's youth will have the major responsibility in solving these problems, there is a real need for a sound educational program of environmental awareness. The objective of this study was to develop a model for modularized, interdisciplinary curriculum in environmental science, adapted for use in an outdoor classroom in Huron, South Dakota. The modules do not cover every aspect of environmental education but were selected to provide a broad background in environmental education. The modules were not tested by the enclosed questionnaire. Student awareness of environmental quality will most likely change during the years. This would mean a change in the depth of each nodule and a possible movement of the entire set to a lower grade level.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Pollution -- Study and teaching -- South Dakota -- Huron

Ecology -- Study and teaching -- South Dakota -- Huron

Huron (S.D.)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

144

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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